Oliver Twist (1948 David Lean)

A beautiful looking film - you could take screen shots all over the place. Guy Green's photography is sensational. (Ossie Morris is the operator.)

I was getting a strong feeling of Russian cinema, which I've had before with Lean. It's the striking editing that makes me feel that way. And the design, all chiaroscuro and weird sets (John Bryan) - is very Expressionist German. There you go - Dickens via Eistenstein and Lang.

It has a particularly beautiful opening (written by Kay Walsh).

I didn't find Robert Newton hammy this time, rather, he's genuinely creepy. Scenes with the bull terrier (nicknamed 'Sikes' by the crew) work brilliantly. Guinness gives quite a shaded performance, once you get past the ridiculous nose. But Walsh steals the acting honours in a fiery and passionate performance.

A very cinematic film, e.g. whole scene in the Three Cripples (where, incidentally, Hattie Jacques is one of the performers). Lean wrote it with Stanley Haynes.

Newton and Davies are both wearing safety harnesses

It was funny to realise, somewhat belatedly, that Oliver's nanny - the only person to show him any affection - is the granny from This Happy Breed (thus reuniting her with Newton and Walsh) - Amy Veness.

With Francis L Sullivan, Henry Stephenson, Mary Clare, Anthony Newley (Dodger), Kathleen Harrison, Ivor Barnard, John Howard Davies, Michael Ripper, Peter Bull, Diana Dors.

Music by Arnold Bax. Produced by Ronnie Neame.