The Artful Dodger
The Artful Dodger was a short-lived black-and-white British sitcom starring Dave Morris and Gretchen Franklin. It ran for one series in 1959. It was written by Frank Roscoe and Dave Morris.
Insights
Plot Summary
In 19th century London, a young orphan boy named Charley is wrongly accused of theft and sent to Australia. There, he encounters the legendary Fagin and his gang, including the cunning Jack Dawkins, also known as the Artful Dodger. Charley must navigate this new, harsh world, proving his innocence and finding his place amongst the outcasts.
Critical Reception
Released as a Disney film, 'The Artful Dodger' was generally seen as a charming, albeit somewhat simplistic, family adventure. Critics noted its picturesque Australian setting and the performances of its young cast, though some found the plot predictable and lacking the depth of Dickens' original tale.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its adventurous spirit and visual appeal.
- Seen as a lighthearted adaptation with a focus on family entertainment.
- Some found the story a bit too sanitized compared to the source material.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this older film, but where available, they often highlight its enjoyable adventure narrative and suitability for younger viewers. Some may find it a bit dated in its storytelling.
Fun Fact
Although the film is set in Australia, much of it was filmed in England at Pinewood Studios.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources