The film is based on Charles Dickens' classic 1838 English novel, Oliver Twist, and was adapted by John Palmer.

Oliver Twist is born at the workhouse of Mr. Bumble, where he is left an orphan as his mother dies shortly after giving birth to him.

One day, outraged that Oliver would dare supplicate for more food, Mr. Bumble sells the boy to Mr. Sowerberry, an undertaker, who makes him an apprentice at his funeral home.

Tired of this life, Oliver runs away from the funeral home and heads for the city of London where he meets the Artful Dodger.

The Artful Dodger takes Oliver to the home of Fagin, a seemingly kind old man who turns homeless boys into shameless pickpockets.