It just pisses me off to no end that Shani was not even nominated for an Oscar for this...she was BRILLIANT in this role and captures the essence of Nancy.
I know that Jack was nominated for supporting actor, but I think they both should have been nominated and both should have won. Edit: sorry I missed someone, Ron moody was also nominated
She acted and sang this song beautifully. It really moved me as a child when I first saw this performance and now that I am 56 it still does. What a performance. Nothing since has touched it.
+Erika Jones Of course it does, Heather was born in 1959 or 1960. I was born in 1958 (am now 58). I remember vividly seeing Oliver in the theatre when it first came out and have been a fan of Shani Wallis ever since.
I can see and feel every moment of their relationship in this song. Every time she wrestled with leaving, every time she saw a glimpse of care or tenderness and it changed her mind. Ever time she forgave and every time she thought she would die. Shani Wallis was absolutely perfect, she will always be my Nancy. A magnificent and definitely Oscar worthy performance.
The whole end of film did me till I was older most great musicals start funny happy end tragedy Funny girl Westside story Sound of music Carousel All of em
No matter where I am, the lyrics and her performance brings me to tears...it is absolutely incredible. Shani Wallis was the perfect choice for Nancy. Brilliant x The strength in her voice and yet she pulls it right back to that vulnerable woman perfectly.
I don't think think anybody has ever come close to reproducing the quality Shani Wallis achieved as Nancy her pitch and deliberate London twang is impeccable in my opinion anyway mind blowing performance xxxxxxxxxxxxx
The combination of John Green’s orchestration and Shani Wallis makes this truly a unique and absolutely gut wrenching performance. The original arrangement is nothing compared to this. As a classical musician myself the string parts in this orchestration are brilliant particularly the cello parts are glorious. Can’t say enough, only that whenever I watch or listen to any other performance of this song it pales in comparison to this masterpiece. One of my all time favorites of great movie music moments!
Absolutely spot on--the strings are like an out-of- tune calliope, very unusual and really make the song actable and give it space. She is brilliant. I was 12 when I saw this in the theater and I was sobbing--I had never heard it before and her performance and the strings just killed me--to this day, it still affects me. It seems like she is singing to playback and not lip-syncing--which makes it more immediate. The only other version that comes close to this is when Garland sings it on her TV show--different but the same power and acting. But I am so glad this is on film--it is breathtaking!
I never understood this song as a child but after being a survivor of a violent, toxic and a shove marriage that I left a few years ago, I totally understand! I’m just glad I got out before I story ended like hers.
Although this has been one of my favorite musicals since I was 7 years old when I was very little I really could not comprehend the meaning of this song Now that I am older I understand perfectly what this song is telling us. It is basically saying that Nancy knew Bill Sykes was a brutal man but she could not stop loving him, in spite of what he is doing to her
As an abused wife, from a lifetime ago-- it's the minor phrasing of the violins in the end that makes you shrink and cry. "When someone needs you, you love them so" and the heroic music making it all so PC. Took a while to understand VICTIM was written on my t-shirt front and back. Sometimes you need an alternative. Without one, you fall into the pit.
To me, Shani Wallis does not merely sing this heart-wrenching song.. She puts herself in the shoes of Nancy Sykes and does so beautifully and perfectly. I have never watched this movie growing up but now looking at this scene, Shani does an excellent job in every aspect. She captures what Nancy is.. A horribly abused woman who is in love with a dangerous man. Thank you for sharing this video with us!
She became a great success. Shani Wallis is well-known for her West End roles in America and is also a patron of a theatre charity called The Music Hall Guild of Great Britain and America. Hollywood "mega-stardom" isn't for everyone so Shani mostly stuck with theatre, and was still in some films after Oliver too. She was the voice of Lady Mouse in Basil The Great Mouse Detective!
A movie strewn with outstanding performances, direction, choreography, cinematography and production, musical composition, orchestration and arrangement . There aren't enough awards to cover the outstanding contributions made by the huge cast and crew in this movie.
Shes trauma bonded to him. "As long as he needs me..." In a horribly abusive relationship, shes sadly loyal and true to him because, "when you are lonely then you will know - when someone needs you, you love them soooooo..." Sadly, he doesn't feel the same way. He kills her. 😭😭😭 She gives me goosebumps everytime she sings this - this is how to beautifully act and sing at the same time
I once heard something about how more singers need acting lessons and this is a perfect illustration. She not only sings it well technically, she communicates her character's viewpoint (and coming fate) so perfectly, decades before words like "co-dependent" and "toxic relationship" became part of the lingo. A touching, heartrending song. Compare this to so many other singers out there who sing the song well but you can tell they don't mean a word of what they're singing....
elamplough1 well it's different for the stage as you are singing live. On film it's a bit easier as you don't have to worry about sounding well. On stage it's both feeling and sound. I'm sure Shani was able to sing with true emotion either way.
If you can find it, Michael, there's an interview somewhere on RU-vid with Shani Wallis where she explains her interpretation of Nancy in this song. It is enlightening and really goes along a lot with what you wrote.
yep, you nailed this one on the head. she and the orchestrator made this into a three-part story to where you actually understand the abuse. The first is confusion. The second part is is angered her situation, and the third is resolve... my life is what it is and I've got to make the best of it. it's all I've got.
the best Nancy ever. and that murder scene at the end, although in a different setting to the original novel, was still brutal and violent. the west end version showed this as if they were selling candy to kids. pathetic in comparison. I remember when I played Oliver, my first taste of professional theatre at the age of 11, I was terrified during this scene on stage. Seeing Nancy being bashed across her blood stained head repeatedly and her blood curdling scream....My Nancy came a close second for me to Shank Wallis, and I'm still friends with her today. she married her Bill Sykes funnily enough and now has two grown kids of her own ( shows my age now lol.). great show, great character and Shani played her spot on.
Makes you feel sorry for her, she’s so in love with him that she’ll defend him no matter what he does. She can’t leave him, and it’s the only life she knows, she’s accepting her fate.
This is my personal favorite female solo song of any musical movie that I have ever seen, and I've seen 'em all. The camerawork and screen compositions are exquisite, too.
I have always loved the beautiful and extremely talented actress, singer, dancer, and entertainer Shani Wallis! Shani Wallis should have won the Golden Globe Award, the Academy Award, and the BAFTA Award for best actress for her brilliant portrayal of Nancy! It should be Dame Shani Wallis! I was born in 1978. The 1968 classic movie Oliver! is perfect and one of my favorite movies of all time! I love it! Thank you for posting and sharing this classic movie musical number!
The brilliance of the song is not only Shani Wallis's heart wrenching interpretation of the song but what composer/arranger John Green does with the song. Listen to the repeated theme under the song he composed and injects starting at 2:31. It's a gallows theme as if Nancy is going to her harrowing fate.
I've I noticed that before, quite recently, so glad you mentioned it. It's very dark actually... the underlayer is twisted, frantic and unhinged, and juxtaposes her more naive take on her dilemma. It's pretty brilliant and quite sophisticated for a family musical. At one point later, it's like it has this dialogue with her. As it to say in a sympathetic yet begging tone, "I understand, yes, but you must go. Now". Agree, John Green created a very clever musical piece here, on a deeper psychological level than anything else in the movie - and for a family musical mind you - about the complexities of domestic abuse, and deserves more credit. I'd say Green was ahead of his time, but i could be wrong
i was born in 1970. the first time I heard this song was when we did the Oliver Twist musical in elementary school. I was in the 4th grade. this particular song is so memorable it brings years to my eyes. what a masterpiece.
What an amazing and classic rendition of this song...I don't think I'd like anyone's version better. Shani Wells is wonderful...yes, I think she deserves a retroactive Oscar! Thank you for uploading these beautiful songs.
This movie moved me so much when I was a kid and to this day the movie brings me so much goosebumps. Wow what a voice. To me this will always be my absolute favourite version of Oliver and a incredible musical one at that.
Fabulous film! I was only 11 when I first saw it and I have watched it many times since and Iwatched it last week. Such a tragic story but such wonderful talent went in to the making of this classic musical.
The reoccurring melody in the chorus is so beautiful, and topped with Shani’s, beautiful voice, it makes this in my opinion, one of the best songs in the whole film!
As long as he needs me Oh, yes, he does need me In spite of what you see I'm sure that he needs me Who else would love him still When they've been used so ill He knows I always will As long as he needs me I miss him so much when he is gone But when he's near me I don't let on The way I feel inside The love I have to hide The Hell! I've got my pride As long as he needs me He doesn't say the things he should He acts the way he thinks she should But, all the same I'll play this game his way As long as he needs me I know where I must be I'll cling on steadfastly As long as he needs me As long as life is long I'll love him, right or wrong And, somehow, I'll be strong As long as he needs me If you are lonely, then you will know When someone needs you, you love them so I won't betray his trust Though people say I must I've got to stay true, just As long as he needs me
There are organisations that can help in that situation. Like for example, during the lockdown my mum saw this lonely woman outside and she told her of her situation and mum offered her a beverage as they waited for the people as they told her to go to the hotel that was next door to us.
I remember when I very first got this video, not knowing really what to expect from Shani Wallis... But she blew me away with her portrayal of Nancy! Amazing actress!!
as someone who’s watched almost every adaptation of oliver twist and loves every nancy (even if my personal favourite is leanne rowe from the 2005 movie), shani is the best by far, she’s the textbook nancy, when you think of nancy, you think of shani, and i love that, the portrayal is timeless. she truly deserves to be ‘iconic’
My favourite song in this movie. My mum to me to see it at the theatre. Thank you Shani for your wonderful talent. You were Nancy! Yours truly, Vincent
Lyrics: As long as he needs me... Oh, yes, he does need me... In spite of what you see... ...I'm sure that he needs me. Who else would love him still When they've been used so ill? He knows I always will... As long as he needs me. I miss him so much when he is gone, But when he's near me I don't let on... ...The way I feel inside. The love, I have to hide... The hell! I've gone my pride As long as he needs me. He doesn't say the things he should. He acts the way he thinks he should. But all the same, I'll play This game His way. As long as he needs me... I know where I must be. I'll cling on steadfastly... As long as he needs me. As long as life is long... I'll love him right or wrong, And somehow, I'll be strong... As long as he needs me. If you are lonely Then you will know... When someone needs you, You love them so. I won't betray his trust... Though people say I must. I've got to stay true, just As long as he needs me.
Well said, Anna Hanson. I saw "Oliver!" in 1968, when it was just released. I was just six years old. Shani Wallis tore my heart out with this song, and her character Nancy's murder horrified me. Maybe I saw it as an omen of my future (and now past) husband who beat me unmercifully--who knows. I also identified with the title character played so well by Mark Lester, who at that time was close to my age. Loneliness and abuse: I experienced them both, as a child and as a young woman.
whenever we think of this song, it always reminds us of how (though I mean the girls who grew up in the 2000s) we felt when former child actor Evan Ellingson passed away! and yet they still had a crush on him and will truly miss him!
When I first heard this, I thought it was about Oliver and Nancy. Only when she says "He doesn't say the things he should. He acts the way he thinks he should", I learnt she was talking about Bill.
This song reminds me of when my dad died & my mam missed him so very much they were together for 55 yrs if you add the courting together but they knew each other for twelve years before that . Loved my Mam & Dad so much cherished eversion second ❤
thank you so much for posting!! one of the greatest musical performances ever, thankfully captured to film. love that there are only maybe 3 cuts in the whole scene, from 3:03 to 4:45 is one continuous shot while Shani is walking around the entire set, finding her perfect light on every mark. when you are shooting that performance, you don't cut away! this is true talent, and one of my all-time favorite musical numbers for its melody, heart-wrenching lyrics and emotional depth that takes a hell of a woman to perform it well
An amazing song from Lionel Bart. Loved the film adaptation of Oliver twist. Released the year I was born. Although not keen on musicals I found myself humming this today ❤️ One of my fave songs. Wiki has this to say: A reprise of this song towards the end of the show expresses Nancy's affection for young Oliver Twist, implying that she now feels that the child also needs her. This reprise was omitted from the film version.
The reason why this version of As Long As is so Great, is in great part due to the magnificent orchestrations of Johnny Green. He tore apart the original broadway orchestration, which was mediocre, and by doing what he did, he turned this song a three part story as it was written. Sadness, anger and then resolve. His orchestration brought that out. There is nothing that could compare to Shani's singing, in combination with the Green Arrangement. If you listen to any other version, it is a great disappointement because the original arrangement pales in comparison. He won the Academy Award for Best Adaptation of a Musical Score. The entire film Orchestrations are magnificent. As a musician, I have been in awe since the 60's when I was a kid and first saw this film. Only a God could have orchestrated the score the way he did. Listen to who will buy- breathtaking in musical brilliance. Enjoy!!!!!!
Did this happen often in Golden Age film adaptations of musicals? I ask because I’m reminded of “Ribbons Down My Back” from Hello, Dolly! with Barbra Streisand (which I love, whatever others say). The film version of that song has more liberties with the tempo, and I feel the orchestration was pretty different, in that lush romantic style, and to me that fits so much better than the original Broadway version (but then again, the movie version was my first exposure).
Shani is the BEST Nancy by far. She was meant for that role. She was a prefect Nancy she fit the role so well. No one else could do better. But I thought the whole 1968 cast fit all their characters well.
David Kaminski when I first started hearing it I was only slightly charmed by the melody and belting of Shani Wallis, thinking I might want to hear it a couple more times and that it wouldn't stick. Then came the strings at 2:37 and it just took me somewhere else. Of all the Oliver songs I always find myself returning to this version and the one by Judy Garland (though as good as Mort Lindsey is, he didn't do it as much justice as in the film).
Thank you so much for this comment! I am not schooled in music and I have wondered for over 20 years why this version of this song is so much more moving and powerful than all the others. My first contact with this song was watching this movie when I was a teenager in the '80s. Then in 1994, I went to London and there was a West End revival, and even though Sally Dexter is such a strong singer, the song left me cold. Then I bought the original Broadway cast recording, and Georgia Brown's rendition also was lacking in any emotional whallop. Other versions that I have heard on RU-vid were merely good. But nothing ever compared to Shani Wallis, which confused me because she is no more powerful a singer than Sally Dexter or Georgia Brown. I never thought of the orchestrations being the reason. You're right, it turns the song into a 3 act play. The middle part, when she is walking behind the glass panes, the music has an harrowing, haunting, grinding, cyclical sound to it, which is so powerful. It evokes what an abusive relationship is like-- a harrowing cycle. Beautifully done. Thanks for putting it into words for me.
Excellent comment. The role of the arranger and orchestrator can be just as crucial as the composer, IMO. Film, in theory, will always have the advantage as they can throw as many instrumentalists into a song since they only have to record it once, as opposed to in the theatre where having so many players would cost too much for an extended run. Here you have a perfect combination of the melody, the lyrics, Shani’s performance, the arrangement and the orchestration. The key change always has me welling up! I was the rehearsal pianist for a uni production of My Fair Lady and found that I much preferred Andre Previn’s arrangement for the film to the theatre score version. Anyway, thank you for championing Johnny Green, somewhat of an unsung hero! 👍
After reading comments on here just reaffirms to me how sublime of a performance Shani Wallis gave I don't believe anybody will ever come close to this level of believable performance again in my own opinion anyway fantastic xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Backstory on Shani Wallis: she was a guest on "The Ed Sullivan Show.'' Mike Frankovich, the head of production at Columbia Pictures, was impressed and flew her to Hollywood the next day for a screen test. She was Nancy right away.
I was in this show in our town theater group. This song has been with me since 1988. The big that played Oliver back then, in our version, is now quite famous.
