Oliver & Company

“Oliver & Company” is an animated musical film released by Walt Disney Pictures in 1988. It is loosely based on the classic Charles Dickens novel “Oliver Twist” but reimagined in a contemporary New York City setting with a cast of talking animals.

The story follows a homeless orange tabby kitten named Oliver, who befriends a dog named Dodger and his gang of street-smart dogs. They survive by stealing food and valuables for their human owner, Fagin, a kind-hearted but struggling thief. When Oliver gets separated from Dodger and finds himself lost in the big city, he encounters a lonely little girl named Jenny, who takes him in and gives him a loving home.

However, Fagin’s sinister boss, the wealthy and eccentric Sykes, discovers that Oliver has moved to a better life and sees an opportunity to ransom him for a hefty sum of money. Fagin must then decide between betraying his new friend or finding a way to save him.

The film features a memorable and catchy soundtrack, including songs like “Why Should I Worry?” and “Perfect Isn’t Easy,” performed by Billy Joel as the voice of Dodger.

“Oliver & Company” was a departure from Disney’s traditional animation style at the time, incorporating more contemporary and urban elements into the story. It was also one of the first Disney animated films to use computer-generated imagery (CGI) for certain scenes.

While it received mixed reviews upon its initial release, “Oliver & Company” has gained a cult following over the years and remains a favorite among Disney fans. The film’s themes of friendship, family, and finding one’s place in the world resonate with audiences of all ages. It also marked a turning point for Disney animation, paving the way for the studio’s resurgence in the following decade with the release of successful films like “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “The Lion King.”

Fun Facts

The movie took 2.5 years to produce.
Music superstar Billy Joel played the role of Dodger.
This was the first Disney movie to allow real world product placements in the movie.