The theater world got its first glimpse of a bright new star when Davy Jones opened on Broadway in “Oliver.” Davy was a sensation as the “Dodger.” Just so we could look back and remember some of his early days in New York, Davy loaned us these groovy photos from his personal scrapbook. The year was 1962.
Late this year all of you will be able to see the movie version of Davy’s big stage hit when “Oliver” is released as a fab motion picture in Technicolor featuring all the great songs from the show. Unfortunately, Davy is now too old to play the “Dodger” but in his place is an outasite newcomer named Jack Wild.
Fifteen-year-old Jack Wild inherits Davy’s Dodger role in the screen version of “Oliver.” Just like Davy, Jack doesn’t hail from a theatrical family. His father works in a tire factory, his mother in a butcher shop. They live in a small town outside of London and just a few miles from where “Oliver” was filmed.
Jack’s hobbies consist of playing football, collecting stamps, swimming, and practicing on the drums. He’s saved the money he made in the movie in order to buy an outasite motor-car. Luckily for Jack, he won’t have too much time to wait. Who knows… maybe Jack will become as big a star as Davy!
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Info Old and new ‘Artful Dodgers!’ [Above], you see Davy at age 16, when he undertook the role of the Dodger on the New York stage. 
Info Above is the new Dodger in the film version, Jack Wild. Critics are already guessing as to which performer will make the greatest Dodger. Most people agree that Davy will be hard to top, but from early reports Jack will become a great star in his own right. 
Info On Broadway in “Oliver” Davy really stole the show. Above, that’s Davy in the top hat at the right. The musical play was based on Dickens’ Oliver which you’ve probably read. 
Info Rehearsing for Oliver was fun for Davy. He was in great shape for the dancing part because of his previous athletic training and his jockey days. The play’s producers were amazed at Davy’s remarkable skill in the dance routines. 
Info Davy laughs when he remembers the ragged clothes he had to wear all through the play’s run. They’re a far cry from the groovy threads Monkee Davy wears today. In fact, Davy’s becoming more of a groovy dresser each day of his life. 
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Info Admire Davy! Both Jack and Mark admire Davy on the Monkee show. It is shown in England and they love watching it. Jack didn’t see Davy play the Dodger so he won’t be copying Davy’s performance. 
Info Jack Wild (left) and Mark Lester, who plays Oliver in the movie version, got on great during the filming in London. Now that the film is completed the boys have more time to enjoy their friendship. 
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Info Cycling on the set! Jack takes a break to ride his brand new bicycle on the Oliver set in England. The modern bike is quite a contrast to the old English set.
