For Release: 2009-02-02 11:24:00
The world's most famous orphan comes to Masterpiece in a rousing new retelling of Charles Dickens' much-loved story of daring pickpockets, diabolical villains and amazing adventures in "Oliver Twist," airing in two parts beginning Sunday, Feb. 15 at 9/8 p.m. CT on KET1 and KET HD and Thursday, Feb. 19 at 9/8 p.m. CT on KET2.With a modern edge that sets Masterpiece's "Oliver Twist" apart from previous adaptations, the program's cast is led by newcomer William Miller as Oliver -- orphaned in the countryside, sent to the workhouse, sold into servitude after his immortal appeal, "Please, sir, I want some more," apprenticed to a sadistic coffin maker, and then driven to flee for his life to the only safe haven he can imagine: the den of delinquents, prostitutes and murderers known as London. There, Oliver falls in with Fagin, the adult ringleader of a gang of boy-thieves, played with worldly charm by Timothy Spall (Harry Potter, Sweeney Todd). Fagin is one of Dickens' most conflicted characters: a Jewish father figure for junior felons who risk the gallows on his behalf.
Dickens is known for his comically quirky characters, and among the most Dickensian are Mr. Bumble and Mrs. Corney. One is the officious beadle, who banishes Oliver from the workhouse. The other is the conniving workhouse matron, who sees her main chance in the bachelor Bumble. Bumble and Mrs. Corney are a match made in heaven -- or in the other place, as events prove.
Add to that Oliver Twist's complicating factors -- functionaries who act criminally, criminals who behave responsibly, children who behave like adults, not to mention lots of biting social commentary about society's treatment of the poor -- and Dickens' true genius as a storyteller emerges.
Oliver Twist is a BBC/WGBH Boston co-production. More information about KET programming and education services, as well as how to support KET, can be found at www.ket.org.
Contact: Ellen Soileau
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