The streets of Victorian England come to life as Oliver, an orphan in a workhouse, becomes the apprentice of an undertaker. Oliver escapes to London and finds acceptance amongst a group of petty thieves and pickpockets led by the crafty Fagin. When Oliver is captured for a theft that he did not commit, the benevolent victim, Mr. Brownlow takes him in. Fearing the safety of his hideout, Fagin employs the menacing Bill Sikes and the compassionate Nancy to get him back, threatening Oliver’s chances of finding the true love of family.