Oliver Twist

[BrianH]

The release of Polanski's Oliver Twist reminds me that David Lean's classic 1948 version was not screened in the USA until 1951.

Does anyone know why?

 

[Diminuendo]

Brian, wasn't it something to do with the Fagin character, played by Alec G?

 

[Phil Waters]

As a top-googler here is the answer -

The release was delayed by protests from Jewish pressure groups, who judged Alec Guinness's portrayal of Fagin to be anti-Semitic.

 

[Harbinger]

Makes you wonder how The Merchant of Venice ever survived.

 

[BrianH]

As Jim Bowen used to say: "Good answer"

 

[Ardross]

Fantastic film the 1948 version . I fear Polanski may have bowdlerised OT as he did Tess

 

[BrianH]

Abbreviated rather than bowdlerised, I suspect

 

[Maurice]

Wasn't Bowdlerised the name of Bill Sykes's dog?

 

[BrianH]

:lol:

 

[Ardross]

:lol:

Well done Mo - a bullseye