Oliver! (film) in the United States, and Oliver Reed, who played Bill Sikes, had just begun to make a name for himself. Producer John Woolf suggested Oliver Reed for the role to the director Reed, without knowing that the two were in fact related. Ron Moody, who was also well known in Britain but not the US, recreated his London stage performance, after Peter Sellers, Dick Van Dyke and Peter O'Toole reportedly turned down the role. Elizabeth Taylor turned down the role of Nancy as well. Julie Andrews was also considered. Director Reed also had Shirley Bassey in mind, but his choice
The Man Who Played God (1932 film) meet him immediately. "My excitement and joy were indescribable ... An Arliss film was a prestige film – a far cry from "The Menace", and yet Murray Kinnell of "The Menace" cast had suggested me for the part ... Out of all bad comes some good. I have always believed this." At age sixty-three, more than ten years older than the character, Arliss knew he was too old for the role and was concerned the age difference between him and the actress cast as Grace Blair would be ridiculous unless she were played by someone who could convey both love