Oliver Twist (1922 film)

Oliver Twist (1922) is a silent film adaptation of Charles Dickens's 1838 novel of the same name. It was directed by Frank Lloyd and stars Jackie Coogan as Oliver Twist, Lon Chaney as Fagin, and Gladys Brockwell as Nancy.

The film is notable for its portrayal of Fagin by Lon Chaney, which, while adhering to Dickens's description, also infused the character with a degree of pathos and complexity that was characteristic of Chaney's performances. Jackie Coogan, already a famous child actor, brought a vulnerability and realism to the role of Oliver.

The storyline generally follows the main plot points of the novel, depicting Oliver's journey from a workhouse to the clutches of a gang of young thieves led by Fagin, and his eventual rescue by the kind Mr. Brownlow. The film emphasizes the social injustice and poverty of Victorian England, consistent with Dickens's original intent.

Prints of the 1922 Oliver Twist survive, and the film is considered a significant early adaptation of the classic novel. It has been released on home video and continues to be screened at film festivals and repertory cinemas.