The Evolution of the Artful Dodger: From Dickens to Screen
Explore the journey of the iconic character, the Artful Dodger, from Charles Dickens's classic to the screen adaptations through the years. Discover the actors who brought Dodger to life and the impact of their portrayals.
The Timeless Tale of The Artful Dodger
Oliver! (1968) - Consider Yourself Scene (4/10) | Movieclips
The 2023 Hulu series, The Artful Dodger, puts a spin on a classic tale and looks at what happened to one of the popular Dickens characters. A supporting character in Charles Dickens's classic, Oliver Twist, Jack Dawkins, better known as the Artful Dodger, recruits the titular orphan Oliver into his gang of pickpockets and thieves, led by the sinister Fagin. His fate is left widely uncertain in the Dickens classic, but The Artful Dodger offers a new insight into what happened to the Dodger after Oliver finds his happy ending.
A Still From Oliver Twist 1912
The Hulu series is set 15 years after the events of Oliver Twist and sees Dodger settled in Australia, working as a respectable surgeon; he has made a new life for himself, but old faces from the past threaten his future. The series has been regarded by critics as a “darkly comedic” sequel to the original story. Thomas Brodie-Sangster stars in the series as the titular character, and he joins the list of many acclaimed actors who have portrayed different variations of the popular Dickens character in both film and television adaptations.
The Artful Dodger in Film
The Artful Dodger has been brought to life on the silver screen by a multitude of talented actors, each offering their unique portrayal of this iconic character. The first actor to portray the Artful Dodger in film was British actor Charley Rogers in his film debut in 1912. This marked the first time the character appeared in an Oliver Twist film and is one of the earliest full-length silent films that still exists today. Rogers continued acting for several years before moving into directing and screenwriting.
Following Rogers, Willie West took on the role of Dodger in another silent film adaptation of Oliver Twist in 1912. Notable for being the film debut of director Thomas Bentley, the early British silent film saw West portray Dodger alongside silent film actress, Ivy Millais as Oliver. This film is a testament to the enduring legacy of Oliver Twist on the big screen.
A Still of Willie West in The Old Curiosity Shop 1913
The list of actors who have portrayed the Artful Dodger on film includes Raymond Hatton, Edouard Trebaol, Anthony Newley, and many more. Each portrayal brings a fresh perspective to the character, contributing to the rich tapestry of Dodger's on-screen presence. From silent films to modern adaptations, the Artful Dodger has remained a captivating and enduring figure in cinema.
One of the only surviving stills of Raymond Hatton as Dodger in Oliver Twist 1916
The Artful Dodger in Television and Animation
The journey of the Artful Dodger extends beyond the silver screen and into the realm of television and animation. From the controversial BBC TV series in 1962 to the modern retelling in Disney's Oliver & Company, Dodger's presence has been felt across various mediums.
Melvyn Hayes, Carmel McSharry & Peter Vaughan in Oliver Twist 1962
One notable adaptation is the 1968 musical drama film, Oliver!, where Jack Wild received worldwide acclaim for his portrayal of the Artful Dodger, becoming one of the youngest nominees for an Oscar, Golden Globe, and BAFTA Award. The success of the film solidified Dodger's status as a beloved character in the world of musical cinema.
Mark Lester as Oliver and Jack Wild as Dodger in Oliver 1968
In more recent years, the Artful Dodger has appeared in animated series and modern retellings, with actors like Elijah Wood and Rita Ora taking on the iconic role. These adaptations demonstrate the enduring appeal of Dodger's character, captivating audiences across generations.
The cast of characters from Disney's Oliver and Company.
