Bootleg Betty
On This Day In History: The Bette Midler Movie ‘Oliver And Company Was Released’
By Mister D
Nov. 18, 2025
Oliver & Company, released on November 18, 1988, is a lively animated musical from Walt Disney Pictures that reimagines Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist in the bustling streets of New York City. The story follows Oliver, a homeless kitten who joins a gang of streetwise dogs led by the charismatic Dodger, voiced by Billy Joel. Together, they navigate urban adventures and help their human friend Fagin out of trouble with a menacing loan shark. Among the film’s standout characters is Georgette, a glamorous and self-absorbed pedigree poodle voiced by Bette Midler. Living in luxury with her owner Jenny, Georgette initially resents Oliver’s intrusion into her pampered world. Midler brings theatrical flair and comic bite to the role, especially in her show-stopping musical number “Perfect Isn’t Easy,” which showcases her Broadway-caliber vocals and Georgette’s diva personality. Though vain and territorial at first, Georgette eventually reveals a softer side and helps rescue Oliver, adding depth to her character arc. With a voice cast that includes Joey Lawrence, Cheech Marin, Dom DeLuise, and Sheryl Lee Ralph, Oliver & Company blends humor, heart, and a pop-infused soundtrack to deliver a uniquely 1980s take on a classic tale—with Midler’s performance adding a memorable dose of camp and charm.
