The Optimists (1973)

Director:

Anthony Simmons

Writers:

Anthony Simmons (novel)
Tudor Gates (screenplay)

Release Date:

18 October 1973 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

Meet Sam, the wonder man. He's got madness in his closet, everybody in trouble, the police in circles - and the world in his pocket.

Plot:

A retired entertainer makes his living as a street musician on the streets of London. Two young children befriend the old musician, brightening his otherwise colorless life. |

Plot Keywords:

Independent Film | Based On Novel

Cast

Peter Sellers	...	Sam
Marjorie Yates	...	Chrissie Ellis
Donna Mullane	...	Liz
John Chaffey	...	Mark
David Daker	...	Bob Ellis
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Pat Ashton	...	Mrs. Bonini
Pat Beckett	...	Laundry Lady
Patricia Brake	...	Dog's Home Secretary
Candyce Jane Brandl	...	Laundry Lady
Keith Chegwin	...	Georgie
Michael Graham Cox	...	Park Keeper
Don Crown	...	Busker
Katyana Kass	...	The Ellis Baby
Daphne Lawson	...	Laundry Lady
Hilary Pritchard	...	Laundry Lady
Bruce Purchase	...	Park Policeman
Bernie Searle	...	Dustman
Tommy Wright	...	Dustman

Also Known As:

The Optimists of Nine Elms

Runtime:

110 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:L | Australia:G | Argentina:Atp | USA:PG

Filming Locations:

Battersea, London, England, UK

Company:

Cheetah

Trivia:

After Keaton, John Mills and then Danny Kaye were considered for the central role before Peter Sellers expressed an interest in the project.

Goofs:

Errors in geography: Sam visits the inside of Chelsea Football Club, but the outside of Fulham Football Club (note the graffiti and the park, which is next to FFC).

Quotes:

Sam: Inside your head you can build...
Mark: A skyscraper
Sam: Aye... a palace. A what?
Mark: An apple.
Sam: An orange.
Mark: A steamboat.
Sam: The lot. If you think with your eyeballs and forget all that rot from teachers and fathers and mothers and cops. That is *private*. It's *yours*.

Searching for The Optimists and/or The Optimists of NineElms

I once saw this wonderful film on TV and would give my eye teeth to see it again or to own it. I believe that there is a musical film as well as the drama that I saw.

For some time, I have been searching for a copy or the tv station that must have shown it with no luck. I did find a copy of the book on which it was based. It's lovely.

In my search, I came across these comments and hope that the writers return to the site to see mine. Perhaps they can direct me in my search for the video tapes (VHS).

With great anticipation, I thank you in advance for your interest.