Audio problem: Just after Oliver leaves Mr. Brownlow's house with the books and £5 note there is a shot of Bill Sykes and Nancy on a park bench. Just as Nancy stands up Bill's dog barks. Whilst you can hear the birds singing, nothing of the bark can be heard.
Oliver (1968)
1 audio problem - chronological order
Directed by: Carol Reed
Starring: Oliver Reed, Ron Moody, Harry Secombe, Mark Lester, Shani Wallis
Continuity mistake: In the early-morning scene at Mr. Brownlow's house, Oliver is shown sleeping in his bed. He awakens and his hair is in complete disarray as he walks towards the open balcony doors. Standing on the balcony and gazing outside, however, his hair is combed neatly.
Trivia: The director, Carol Reed, is actually Oliver Reed's (portrays Bill Sikes) uncle.
Question: Why was this movie rated G? It does contain some violence and a murder scene and some content that's inappropriate for children.
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Chosen answer: You are correct that "Oliver" does have some material that might be intense for young children - including a murder, some minor violence, issues of adoption, child abuse, kidnapping, and even some sexual content (but only by innuendo). Drinking alcohol is also involved, and some of the characters with whom we are meant to sympathize are, in fact, thieves. But intense content does not necessarily preclude a movie from obtaining a "G" rating. There have been several G-rated movies which have content, including killing, that could be frightening for children, including "Bambi," "The Lion King," "Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," and "The Wizard of Oz," to name a few. In "Oliver," most of the violence is alluded to, and the murder of Nancy is committed out of sight (only Sykes' hand is visible, and Nancy's screams are heard), though it is frightening and realistic. Violence can be permitted in G-rated films, as long as it is "minimal." Sexual innuendo is permitted, in small doses, as long as lewd acts aren't shown. Intense content is also permitted. Drug use is not permitted, but I suppose the tavern scenes are cartoonish enough as to not warrant a more harsh rating. The bottom line is that ratings are determined by the MPAA - Motion Picture Association of America, and that association is given wide latitude and discretion. Apparently, the "mature" content of "Oliver!" was not viewed as rising to a level which the MPAA felt would warrant a more stringent rating.
Michael Albert