Revealing mistake: When we first see Oliver Reed, we see his shadow first on the wall at a ramp to the pub. As his shadow spreads its legs, we then see him spreading his legs a moment later. Shadow puppetry was used by the director to give the audience the impression that he is ominous and foreboding before we ever see the man himself. (00:54:10)
Oliver (1968)
1 revealing mistake
Directed by: Carol Reed
Starring: Oliver Reed, Ron Moody, Harry Secombe, Mark Lester, Shani Wallis
Other mistake: When Oliver is meeting Fagin and his boys, he says, "Is this a laundry then, sir?" You can see Jack Wild (Dodger) mouthing that line on the left side of the screen.
Question: Fagin and the gang want Oliver back out of fear that he might tell about them. But there are some things I don't understand. 1. How long Oliver had been with Brownlow is unknown (Bill says it had been three days since he saw him during the "Who Will Buy" song), but since no police had arrived at the hideout during that time, surely they'd think Oliver hadn't said anything by now. 2. And even if they did think the above, why would they still think Oliver might say something later on? (01:34:50 - 01:37:00)
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Chosen answer: They're probably concerned because he's a child. He might unintentionally say something without meaning to, or after some time has passed and more is learned about Oliver's past life at Fagin's hideout, it's conceivable he might be questioned more intensely. A child would likely give more information under pressure.
raywest ★