Having endured a miserable and brutal childhood, young Oliver is sold to an undertaker, where his mistreatment forces him to escape to London. Once in the capital, he is welcomed into the seductive world of pick-pocketing by the criminal underworld and, before long, is in deep trouble with the law.

Sikes goes on the run with Oliver, but his journey is interrupted. Brownlow and the police search Fagin's den. Monks returns to London, but upon his arrival home, he finds Brownlow, Rose, and the police waiting for him.

Fagin meets Monks and is promised handsome payment if he brings about Oliver's death. Fagin reasons, however, that someone may pay to have him returned safely.

Sikes escapes back to London with a badly wounded Oliver, and Nancy nurses him, determined to save his life.

Dodger discovers he is betrayed by Nancy, putting her in grave danger.