Full Movie Plot: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_and_Company
Oliver and Company, released in 1988, is the tale of an orphaned kitten in New York City who joins a gang of dogs in order to survive. I’d like to start off by expressing my shock and bewilderment at the storyline – a kitten joined a gang? That said, I actually found the movie charming, and quite enjoyed it.
Oliver and Company provides a valuable lesson for kids in loyalty and love. After being “initiated” into the gang, by helping to steal some hot dogs, Oliver becomes part of the family. Being previously orphaned, Oliver was thrilled to be a part of a family. But that family wasn’t perfect – Fagin, the human “owner” of the dogs, was in debt to a loan shark named Sykes and had no money to feed the animals or provide proper care for them. Nonetheless, Oliver and the dogs love him and remain by his side through his troubles.
Then, when Oliver is mistakenly trapped in a city limo, he is adopted by the limo driver and its occupant, Jenny. Jenny is able to provide Oliver with food, a house, and all the affection in the world. Oliver, not used to the special treatment, is enamored with Jenny but is soon “rescued” from Jenny by the dogs. When Oliver expresses how kind Jenny was and how he hadn’t wanted to leave, the dogs are initially angry and feel Oliver has been ungrateful. However, when Oliver and Jenny are captured by the evil Mr. Sykes, Fagin and the gang come to their rescue and reunite Jenny and Oliver for good.
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| Picture from this website |
Fagin also provides an example of good character for children, and is a great illustration of the saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover”. When the dogs rescued Oliver back from Jenny, Fagin discovers that Oliver had a wealthy owner. Desperate for money, he initially decides to hold Oliver ransom in order to pay back Sykes. But upon meeting Jenny, and seeing her despair over losing Oliver, Fagin gives him back for free. Despite his what I would call “sketchy” appearance and history of petty theft, he was essentially a good and caring person.
Although the ending was admittedly sappy, I really adored the movie. Perhaps my history of working at the SPCA has made me develop a soft spot for homeless animals finding homes, but I think anyone would find the ending touching. After being rescued from Sykes, Jenny and Oliver are reunited to live happily ever after. But Oliver, having learned a lesson in loyalty himself, vows not to abandon the gang. As Oliver leaves with Jenny, he and the gang promise to keep in touch.
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