A couple of minor errors in the narration (wrote and narrated this video rapidly between other projects). I accidentally called Charles Dickens ... Charles Dickenson and called the dog Bulldog instead of Bullseye. But those name errors have no effect on the subject at hand - analysis of Reed's version of Bill Sykes himself - so no need to moan about those two verbal slipups as i'm already aware of them. If you have disagreements about the breakdown of Sykes I'm glad to hear them. Cheers folks.

An error in the narration. I call his pet "Bulldog" for some reason in the first half of the vid then remembered later he's called "Bullseye".

He scared the shit out of me as a kid. Brilliant villain.

When I first saw this film as a kid, Sykes was utterly terrifying. Brutal, heavy, dark and you felt like he meant it. Perhaps it was because Olly Reed was a drinker, and his erratic menace was real, maybe it’s because he is a great actor. Probably a combo of the two. Either way, it doesn’t matter, the performance is ferocious, indelible and standard setting. That is enough. God bless Olly Reed and thank God for films as epic as this.

It was his eyes that made him so terrifying. His eyes were so intense. No one else could play this part. R.I.P to one of the greats

Yes, Oliver Reed is the best onscreen Bill Sykes, the most terrifying, and yet attractive enough to make us understand Nancy's tragic love.

Addendum: The Actress who played Nancy, Shani Wallis, recalled in the scene where Bill Syskes strikes Nancy in the "yes she will Fagin" "no she won't Fagin" scene, Reed did not actually hit her, but his motion was so powerful it was like he had or was about to and so she fell and actually badly banged herself. She said that he was able to get that sort of reaction out of her like that, in one shot, was a testimony to what a fantastic actor Oliver Reed was.

YES!!! Bill Sikes as played by Oliver Reed is a damn MONSTER! This performance should serve as the Platonic Ideal of intimidation!

This is the best on-screen rendition of Oliver Twist, in my opinion.

Even as a kid, I could tell that Reed's portrayal of Bill was special. He was this hulking, menacing shadow throughout the film.

One thing he didn’t notice that makes him look big is that even though his coat is huge they made the sleeves to short which subtly makes him look huge.

cant beat the silent menace, not laffing when others laff, not smiling then others smile, not saying hello when others say hello, not shaking a hand when prompted. just a cold silent death stair. all these things are highly unnerving. its like meeting a wild animal. i remember seeing in interviews decades after the child actors all saying thay were genuinly scared of him lol

The dog's name is Bullseye. I've seen the movie and read the book many times. Oliver Reed and Tim Curry are in a photo finish for the best portrayal.

Oliver Reed is one of my favorite actors. He had a great ability to bring so much emotion to his roles. Adore him. RIP

"They squawks Fagin..They Squawks!" Never forgot that from the moment I saw it when I was eight.

This film scared the bejesus out of me when I was a kid.

Oliver Reed was a stunning man , just beautiful.

Bill terrified me as a child the same way the character Chigurh (No Country for Old Men) terrified me as an adult. Both had no feelings. Cold like the terminator.

The thing with the dog representing Bill with the scars, spot on

LOVE THIS! Oliver Reed was TERRIFYING!

Great overview. Oliver Reed stole every scene in this movie. Imagine the pitch for this to the studio- Its about child exploitation, a brutal psychopath oh and it’s a musical… Oliver delivered the sense of menace and brooding dangerous intensity that literally darkened the screen. IMO he would have made a brilliant James Bond taking that sense of menace and making the character much more real.

I saw this first run in a local movie theater back in 1968. Bill Sikes scared the hell out of me. I wasn't easily impressed as a child, more like bored usually, but his screen impression stayed with me for years and became a classic thing in my mind. I have since re-seen the movie as an adult, and he is just as amazing each time. The part of Nancy is beautifully played, too---the intertwining of the two characters and their brutal romance is utterly scarring and tragic as it builds. I remember loving her character as a little girl, and feeling her loss very keenly when he killed that brave woman and you saw her booted feet on the ground afterward, splayed out and motionless.

I was never convinced that Reed and Winters didn't get along in that interview - I think they were both playing a role, to great effect.

This used to be shown on prime time tv in the UK every Christmas when we had just 3 channels to choose from, so it naturally was essential viewing for people of my generation. I watch it every Christmas time now too on dvd, previously on vhs, and always enjoy it for the great film that it is as well as for nostalgic/sentimental reasons. It's a real shame the younger generations seem to refuse to appreciate classic cinema and will only watch films that are based on old tv series, remakes of remakes, films based on video games(?), special effects extravaganzas. And yes, Ollie Reed was brilliant in this film and I stand by my opinion that, much as I admire Alec Guinness' portrayal of Fagin in 'Oliver Twist' (1948), Ron Moody is the the best screen Fagin that I've ever seen. Anyone who hasn't seen this, go and buy a copy, snuggle down in your sofa and enjoy a great, entertaining film. Then read the book by Charles Dickens.

This film is well known amongst everyone. It's not forgotten.

Watched this every christmas as a kid. Brilliant film

Nobody has done vicious, brooding masculinity on the screen like Oliver Reed. He had a real nasty vibe about him. Wonderful actor.

Amazing film, amazing actor. The death scene with Nancy still haunts me today.

Sykes dog was called Bullseye and his real name was Butch and was the pet of Cindy Sharville who runs Animals Galore, a company that trains and supplies animals for films, television, theatre and advertising. I've never seen a bad performance from Oliver Reed and this was one of his best, perfect for the part. The way he rough handles Mark Lester always amazes me, he didn't hold back, am sure Mark must have had some bruises after filming.

Saw this movie when it came out first. Still have memories of it 52 years later. Looking at it here I can't believe how visually beautiful it is. It's a true classic.

Saw this movie in grade/elementary school. It's always stuck with me.

I always loved this movie and Sykes was truly terrifying. He always made me scared when I was on screen and he grounds the movie in the social commentary of Dickens - namely that the Criminals are hard, violent, desperate, nasty but also come from abused, deprived backgrounds. Unlike in the book, Fagin is something of a hero as he may be a fence but he actually cares for his boys and seems to value stolen goods from the wealthy not just for their money value but for their looks. Sykes however tells you what would really go on. He's also scary as he's an abusive parent and he's like a lot of people in the real world, and helps warn kids watching what to look out for and to avoid. Oliver Reed was a vastly underappreciated actor. He always brought presence and skill to any role he played.

One of the best character introductions of all time. Both Sikes and Nancy.

He legit scarred me when I used to watch this when I was younger.

I remember seeing this as a four year old and never forgot the whole production; and I will never forget Oliver Reed.

Oliver Reed was a great actor. Even in films like The System, The Devils, The Brood and Gladiator. The Devils, Reed was cheated out of an Oscar and a Bafta.

Oliver was a handsome devil of a man.

Am I the only one who thinks huge side burns and side bends is like the hottest thing ever?

Oliver Reed was an actor's actor. The very first time I saw this as a kid in the 70's, Oliver Reed's appearance made me think two things nearly simultaneously: this guy's a right monster, thank goodness he's just a fictional character. I used to wonder if such a man existed in real life, what a horror he might be.

Oliver Reed was a very scary looking man, all rough, big and ready but with a touch of an unhinged kinda vibe. Bill was just a tyrant with no reemdemable qualities so Oliver carries it off beautifully.

Fantastic vid. Oliver Reed was AMAZING in this. He used his eyes better than any other actor. Did you know? A young Jim Davidson nearly got a main part in this.

I love this, I must have watched it like 20 times, I Love Oliver, one of my faves. Bill is great also, Oliver Reed was such a character.

oliver reed was a great legend and perfected the role of sikes.

Oliver and Blues Brothers are the only Musicals I can tolerate, in fact I love both of them.

Absolutely magical movie. God bless my mother for sitting me down and making me watch this movie as a child. I still watch it to this day (I'm now 47), and it's in my top 10 favourite movies. The acting is excellent. The songs are excellent. I can't say enough good things about this film. I also have a few other film versions of Oliver Twist, as well as a TV series.

So well said, this film is a masterpiece and can hold its weight with any film and shouldn't be just pigeon holed as a musical.

This movie reminds me a little bit of the 1971 musical version of "A Christmas Carol". The sets in that are amazing - London really feels like a place you could visit there.

My first film star crush 👀 brilliant film in my top 5 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

I saw it in the 70s as a 7 year old. Sikes scared the shit outta me hee hee.

I am SO FREAKING HAPPY that you made this. I'm 25 in November and I still have this in my movie collection. I have always loved this film and even played Oliver in my own drama troop when I was younger. This was the first version of Oliver Twist I seen and his character absolutely horrified me. I think it's an absolute masterpiece. Your breakdown is great. Love the way you put my feelings whilst watching these films into word. Thank you. 😁

Oliver Reed was amazing!

18:35. One of the most scariest scenes with Bill Sikes is when he threatens Fagin by grabbing him by the throat. If you have a good knowledge of Jews and the Jewish religion, you know why this scene is terrifying. Sikes holds him up and specifically mentions Chickens to him, because he is threatening to cut his throat open with his cutthroat knife and strangle him. Fagin as a Jew is highly likely to actually be familiar with this sound because of the religious tradition in his community known as the Kapparot. In which Hasidic Ultra Orthodox Jews sacrifice Chickens after holding them up by the wings, praying their sins go into it, before cutting open its throat and wringing off its head in a ritualistic kosher slaughter. Sikes knows Fagin is very familiar with this ceremony, even though as a non-Hasidic Jew, he has not actually ever done or witnessed it. This is why Fagin immediately warns Dodger and then sings Reviewing The Situation after this scene. Bill's threat in this scene was particularly terrifying for him.

Ever noticed the Un-synchronization of Bill & his shadow when he emerges in the tunnel?

In the film version, Bill Sykes does NOT sing, instead his entrance and main theme is called “My Name.” in every scene he’s in. In the West End version, Bill Sykes had one main song called “My Name.” with Bill menacingly terrorising everyone about who he is and what he will do/did to anyone who crosses his path. Looking back at this after watching the London stage Production, Bill's music is called "My Name." when he is around. Because in the stage production, he arrives at the start at the start of Act 2 and if you type that into KZfaq, listen to the song and then watch this clip, you can sing Bill's tune.

I saw this movie on HBO back in the 80's and it's still my favorite today. I also have the soundtrack and still sing along to the songs today. ❤️ Losing Oliver Reed was our great loss. I never feared him in this role because of Shani's love for him. I felt sad for him. I feared the Work House. Those poor boys.

Only watched it last month and Reed left a lasting impression as Bill Sykes. Be it from terror or admiration, this is a Bill Sykes whom commands respect.

Haven't seen this film in over 20 years. I'm definitely going to re watch.

I think Bill does smile (though very quickly) when he walks past Nancy at the bar.

I am 27 and my mom actually chose this movie for family movie night and I loved it!! I even have inspirations for my own graphic novel works.

Yes , you nailed it..and yet he was an attractive character. How complex

Rob, thanks for turning me on to Oliver Reed! What a phenomenal actor and man

This guy was my introduction into how evil people can be. Also how can people have not seen this film? I was born in 92 and watched it as a kid but I also read the book and watched this version of Oliver in English class, along with Educating Rita, Great Expectations etc. What are they showing kids these days if not classics like this?

"You're damed right!" Exactly. Raised on this. Terrifying villain.

A truly excellent video. Thoughtful and well-researched. Oliver Reed ranks as one of the scariest movie villains of any portrayed on film. I would only rank him a hair below Javier Bardem's take as Anton Chigurh in "No Country For Old Men." Absolutely masterful turn by Reed. Thank you so very much for this beautifully-produced nod to this performance and the musical in whole.

Olly Reed was always reluctant to talk about Bill Sykes after, like he disowned the part, but it was the part that made him.

I love Oliver reed as an actor and it is so sad he died but he terrified me so much as sikes remains the scariest character ever

How interesting, I would have never guessed Reed was only 5 11. He scared the crap out of me as a young kid.

You nailed it with this video. A lot of details I knew but never noticed in context. This movie came out when I was 10. I was so enthralled I saw it over and over and my poor brother had to go with me. We still joke about it.

Having seen many versions of Oliver Twist, I would say that Oliver Reed by far gave the best performance as Bill Sikes!

There is a clip on KZfaq of Reed teaching someone how to act as a villain, and speaking very quietly in a hushed soft tone as in his opinion this was more menacing than shouting because he disliked shouting

I wonder if Javier Bardem studied this performance at all before his role in No Country For Old Men?

Oliver Reed is fantastic both here and in Lion of the Desert (as well as being a genuine badass in interviews). Thanks for making this review.

I once played this role on stage and borrowed from Ollie here, and his acting class on KZfaq. The man is a true legend.

I had forgotten how excellent this movie is. Now I can’t wait to watch it again! Thanks Rob!

So I just watched this on Blu-Ray after seeing your analysis. I first saw this movie in 1981 in 5th grade , the school I was attending showed it around Christmas over the span of 3 days on a 35 mm print. Over those 3 days I fell in love with Nancy and when Sikes murdered her, I was absolutely devastated. I still feel the same way today as I approach my 50's. Oliver! is an amazing and frightening film. I saw Popeye around the same time and while not as intense I still think it's one of the best musicals along with My Fair Lady. Gosh I'm rambling but that's what happens when you get drunk and watch musicals I guess. Well thank you for all of your great videos Rob. :)

Fantastic film incredible set brilliant cast and Olly nailed it ...

Oliver Reeds performance in The Devils is as good as it gets.

I saw this last night on TCM and this character was the darkest I seen in any classic film.

Thank you so much for making that video. Only because I have seen it, I watched the movie. It was awesome. Oliver Reed was awesome as Sykes.

This is one of the greatest screen character analysis that I ever listened to . I will now appreciate the Bill Sykes character nuances as played by Oliver Reed. Thank you for the expert character review. I will be back for more.

Only in later years did I come across the Bill Sykes song, ‘My name’. And it’s great. However, I don’t think Oliver Reed’s character would have appeared as intimidating as it did had they added the song to this film.

I LOVE this movie, I have a painted picture of Dodger directly from this movie. We saw it in a little shop when I was young and there was no question my mom was buying it. It’s awesome to see a review. I haven’t seen it in years and I remember all of it. Thanks!

You did a great job explaining the aspects of control Bill needs to feel safe in his environment, and how that precarious tension is maintained by the character. His contradictions, refusing to reveal his actual feelings but then chiding his GF for thinking he doesn't love her are both sweet and deeply abusive. Sad story.

Great film great songs great characters I never get bored watching this film!!!

Oliver Reed's Bill Sikes gave the movie audience a dark window into Dickens's novel, more so than any other character in the movie musical.

I'd heard about this film for many years, but was put off by it being a musical. You've convinced me to watch it.

Deserved and earned the part indeed having already been a brilliant actor for years prior to this amazing film.

12:30 Well... that also might be because, from what I've heard, Mr Reed couldn't sing a note. There was a song for him to sing in the original stage production, but they cut it as he couldn't sing it. Still, it fits the character for the same reasons you've mentioned.

Bill Sikes' character from Oliver! has haunted me since watching this as a kid. He was a real menace, a memorable terror.

13:14 Texts reads: "An extra detail I noticed in the final stages of editing this video is that Bill stops Nancy from pouring half of the bottle for herself. He won't even share a drink with her." I missed that! Technically she does manage to pour herself a drink, but right when she grabs the handle of the second cup, he put his (right) hand over it & stops her from lifting it off the table/taking it, then he uses his left hand to point to the bottle she's holding. So, she reluctantly let's go of the handle of the second cup she just poured for herself & leaves it on the table, while handing him the bottle...(then leaves, because obviously he doesn't want her there lol). I mean, if he had at least had stopped her *before* she poured the second cup, it could look like he just wants to drink the entire bottle and it's not personal...but, it's super obvious (and rude) when the second drink is already poured (and he isn't planning on drinking it so who cares), but he stops her from taking it and drinking it anyways. (I'm pretty sure he doesn't drink the second cup, there's still liquid in it when he leaves? I'm rewatching the scene trying to tell if he ever touches the second drink he stopped her from taking.)

have a freebie, i heard Oliver Reed on the radio say this, the scene where Nancy says, ' oh you do love me, don't you bill?' Reed ad libed ' course I do, fucks ya dont I ?' in the original/ first (unusable) take, he had the character nailed !

12:30 this shows how moving a story to another medium can add even more depth to certain parts. And not just book->film but book->musical. Musicals should be treated as their own mediums, just like animated movies

Reed wasn't even nominated for an Oscar. He should have won for best supporting actor, but I think he played the role so menacingly and his character so repulsively that he was passed over by the academy. His own dog turned against him! That's harsh.

Harry Seacombe once said during the shoot for Oliver when he first saw Reed in character he didn't know if he should speak to him or give him his lunch money lol

I need to rewatch Oliver! Never forgot Bill. Much more intimidating in HD!

In the "yes she will, Fagin" scene I felt that Nancy had done Bill's bidding time and time again, but that this time, FINALLY she was refusing (because Oliver was so special to her)...

this is one of the few movies I had as a kid and I would watch it probably a couple times a week.

Agreed, great villain and brilliantly portrayed. Andy Serkis and Tom Hardy were alright but no one could pull a sinister stare like Oliver Reed.

Great work Rob. So original and as always a thorough and well thought out analysis. Thanks again mate

Excellent video. Oliver Reed is superb in this film. I believe his cane is a Shillelagh, rather than just a cane. I always liked that. We used to have a couple of decorative Shillelagh's. I like it because to me they kind of represent a brutishness, which contrasts with the gentlemanly impression they're trying to be, despite being incredibly poor. Monk uses one in Gangs of New Yorks as well.