A Gem

This is such a sweet little movie - containing (next to Being There) Peter Sellers finest screen performance. The two kids are also outstanding and anyone who wants to see London locations other than Tower Bridge and Piccadilly Circus should check this out. A seemingly forgotten film, but well worth seeking out.

viewer's comments:

- A Gem
This is such a sweet little movie - containing (next to Being There) Peter Sellers finest screen performance. The two kids are also outstanding and anyone who wants to see London locations other than Tower Bridge and Piccadilly Circus should check this out. A seemingly forgotten film, but well worth seeking out.


- Charming
Despite wretched photography and poor sound, this film is an especially appealing monument to the romanticism of the period in which it was filmed. Sellers is excellent as the street entertainer, and the youngsters playing the two children who are attracted to him are riveting. The music too is to be commended. It's a three star film, worthy of one's time.


- 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.


- Wow, I'd forgotten all about this one
"Sometimes it wasn't half as bad as all that, sometimes" Excellent Lionel Bart score adds to new style Peter Sellers, that of serious actor as in Being There. Superb London locations add to moral tale. Ex Vaudevillian Peter Sellers befriends two kids and begins to believe in life again and encourages the two kids from broken home to be more optimistic about life. A truly compassionate film that says despite your circumstances that there will always be someone who cares.


- sensitive, sad but very true to life
This is a very sad and sensitive film, beautifully filmed in a very poor area of London just behind Battersea Power Station. If you enjoy Merchant Ivory films, the 'Kidnappers', or 'Whistle Down the Wind' then you will appreciate the delicate undertones of this story.

It is very true to life in the late 60's in London and shows the resilience of the children and the sadness of a once great Music Hall star.



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

Runtime: 110 min
Country: UK
Language: English
Colour (Eastmancolor)



Also Known As:
Optimists of Nine Elms, The (1973)