Cincinnati Babyhead

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CB’s Favorite Performances : Anthony Newley – The Artful Dodger

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The Artful Dodger is one of my all time favorite film characters and he’s brought to life by a young Anthony Newley. The kid could act. Newley absolutely nails it. He brings truth and naturalism to the Dodger. You believe everything he does.

The Artful is a street rat, a smart street rat. A survivor, thief, fighter .. he is artful and Anthony captures him to the core. No one wore a wardrobe better. He puts on the clothes and he’s the character. Cocky, tough, crafty and yeah, artful.

From befriending Oliver to standing up to Bill Sykes, Newley is in the moment, never out of character. Perfect casting by David Lean.

Not only is he a cool character, Dickens gave him one of the best names ever. I wanted to be the Artful Dodger.

Great performance Anthony. You are The Artful Dodger.

“You got any lodgins?”

15 comments on “CB’s Favorite Performances : Anthony Newley – The Artful Dodger”

  1. Aphoristical
    January 19, 2020

    Kids have been watching Oliver this week. Phil Collins played the Artful Dodger in stage before making it big as a drummer.

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    • cincinnatibabyhead
      January 19, 2020

      I take it the’re watching the musical version. Lean’s is pretty dark. I actually knew that about Phil. One point for CB on the “quiz” side.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • Aphoristical
        January 19, 2020

        I didn’t realise there was a non-musical version – I’m sure it’s a lot better! My daughters love musicals, but I hated them as a kid – seemed like bad songs getting in the way of a good story.

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        January 19, 2020

        Leans ‘Twist’ is a fave of mine. Our friend J loves the 1968 ‘Oliver’. It’s a musical. Your daughters would probably like it. The one I’m on about isnt the cheeriest version but it grabbed me. Newlewy’s performance is just supporting but very memorable as a street kid just doing what he can to survive his circumstances.
        I’m with you on the musical thing. Sometimes a cool song pops out. Hey, Kids keep out minds open.

        Liked by 2 people

  2. hotfox63
    January 19, 2020

    Great nostalgia. This is in my opinion the best movie of “Oliver Twist”.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  3. Yeah, Another Blogger
    January 19, 2020

    CB, when I saw the title of the piece, I was going to mention that Artful Dodger is a fantastic name, but you beat me to it. Dickens always came up with great names, and AD is one of his best.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • cincinnatibabyhead
      January 19, 2020

      AD is a classic in so many ways, Not to pretend I’m a big well read literature guy buy I find some pretty funny stuff (balance out the nastiness) in Charlies work. Timeless in a lot of ways.
      When I think of the Dodger I cant help thinking of an old friend of mine. Same vibe.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. christiansmusicmusings
    January 20, 2020

    There’s just something about old pictures. They relied on great acting and a good story. Nowadays, it oftentimes seems to be more about action and special effects.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • cincinnatibabyhead
      January 20, 2020

      That’s certainly true in a lot of cases Christian. But like good music if we dig we can still find good work. The action, special effects sells tickets to the target audience. Lots of tickets. It becomes an event that people have to see or they just arn’t with it.
      Bottom line this performance is a fave from a fave film that moved me to the core.

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  5. J.
    January 20, 2020

    A proper good Artful Dodger, CB… and a great dark Oliver Twist… which we spoke of before, eh? Guinness… (though I really do need to revisit it).

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    • cincinnatibabyhead
      January 20, 2020

      Yes we have and Antony is one of a few stand outs including Sir Alec.
      (I was 3 for 3 with our friend Ennio. Watched ‘Cinema Paradiso’. Our friend did the music for it also)

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • J.
        January 20, 2020

        Cinema Paradiso! I haven’t watched that in a long time… another magical flick.

        Liked by 1 person

  6. BuriedOnMars
    January 22, 2020

    Crap, TCM just aired this and I didn’t hit record. My PVR is at 90% and I need to be selective. I’ll make sure to catch it the next time.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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This entry was posted on January 19, 2020 by in 1948 Films, Anthony Newley, Artful Dodger, Charles Dickens, David Lean, Oliver Twist and tagged , , .

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