Jim On Film
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Each of the other members of the gang are all strongly created as well, each with varying levels of depth. Francis, who loves watching Shakespeare on his dilapidated television and admires Chagall, steals his scenes when he takes the stage to be the victim of Winston’s limo. Rita is the cool and demure female member of the gang, who is both tender to Oliver and tough when needed. She is the mature member of the group, directing the group in how to behave, such as when she orders Tito and Francis to stop fighting (though she gets caught up in it herself) and when she questions Dodger’s reaction to Oliver after the "rescue." Even Einstein, who probably gets the least screen time, is still strongly depicted as the lovable dimwit who hits limos.
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Of course, Tito steals many a scene. The Hispanic Chihuahua who has a knack for electronics and for the ladies is truly "a bug-eyed little creep." But he too is well-rounded, championing members of the gang as needed. Because of his big heart, he becomes Oliver’s surrogate uncle and sticks up for him when Dodger turns on him. His most distinguishing trait, though, is his affection for Georgette. He drives her nuts because he’s a determined chap. But in the end, even a bug-eyed little creep has his limits.
Georgette, while not really in the gang, is also richly depicted. Simply put, Georgette is hilarious. She’s both funny and threatening, a minor villain and a heroine. The first time the audience sees her is as she wakes up in song like the grand diva she is. As she bullies Oliver, we still have to love her. After all, she’s not really mean; she’s just selfish. But even Georgette has some depth. She’s genuinely jealous of Oliver, shown as she mimics Jenny’s good-bye to him as she leaves for school. She gets dragged onto the trip to save Oliver, but when Jenny’s life is in danger, she comes through, championing Tito onto his work as electrician and daring such a brave move as to drop a net on the two Dobermans. Being egotistical is definitely her over-riding trait, but even Georgette has her good points.
(c) Disney
Jenny and Fagin, while less interesting human characters, deserve a mention as well. Jenny is not a bland depiction of a child, but she is a lonely girl who finds happiness through the friendship of a kitten. Furthermore, she is an empowered youth, taking it upon herself to brave the New York City streets at night to face a catnapper. Before Belle said no to Gaston and before Jasmine insisted on living her own life, little Jenny was championing her own rights.
While by definition Fagin may sound like a villain, he’s really a simple homeless man who loves his dogs and does what he has to do to take care of them. He’s both funny (such as how he always manages to break off Sykes’ mirrors) and manipulating (as he reminds the gang that dead men do not buy dog food), both mean (he takes great pleasure in ransoming Oliver) and sympathetic (as he faces Jenny’s piggy bank). He’s not an entirely good character, but the audience loves him anyway.
Lastly, Sykes, the businessman who kidnaps Jenny, is Disney treachery at its best. The first time the audience sees him, he’s hidden in the shadows of his sleek black automobile, cigar smoke rolling out the window. The car embodies him, its dark and foreboding presence foreshadowing his sinister nature. Gruffly voiced by Robert Loggia, Sykes moves beyond simply villainous. Interestingly, while other Disney villains are motivated by who they are against, Sykes is motivated by what he wants. He wants money, and since he is not against any one character, he abuses each as it suits his purposes in order to get what he wants. Sometimes it’s Fagin, later it’s Jenny. When what will bring him his money is taken from him--Jenny--he fights savagely to get it, pulling all into his greed-driven madness.