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
Ernie Sykes Ernie Sykes Ernest Alfred Sykes (27 December 1915 – 1997) was an English professional footballer who made eight appearances in the First Division of the Football League playing for Birmingham. He played as a full back. Sykes was born in Temple Normanton, Derbyshire. He played for Sutton Town before joining Birmingham in March 1936. He made his debut on 10 April 1936, in a 2–2 draw at home to Manchester United. Sykes played only rarely over the next two seasons, and moved to Cardiff City in the 1939 close season. He played only three games for the club before the