The Optimists of Nine Elms
Encyclopedia
The Optimists, also known as The Optimists of Nine Elms, is a 1973 British drama film starring Peter Sellers
and directed by Anthony Simmons
, who also wrote the 1964 novel on which the book is based. The film is about an old street musician (played by Sellers) who strikes up a friendship with two children—Mark, played by John Chaffey
(who at the time was featured in many advertisements on TV) and Liz, played by Donna Mullane. Neither of the child actors were featured in future films. A young Keith Chegwin
also played a small role in the film.
The screenplay had originally been written several years earlier as a comeback vehicle for Buster Keaton
Peter Sellers
Richard Henry Sellers, CBE , known as Peter Sellers, was a British comedian and actor. Perhaps best known as Chief Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther film series, he is also notable for playing three different characters in Dr...
and directed by Anthony Simmons
Anthony Simmons (writer)
Anthony "Tony" Simmons is a British writer/film producer. He was associated with, though separate from, the Free Cinema movement; he said he was greatly influenced by Humphrey Jennings and by Michelangelo Antonioni’s movie Il Grido.-Career:Simmons claimed: "I wasn’t aiming to be a film director. I...
, who also wrote the 1964 novel on which the book is based. The film is about an old street musician (played by Sellers) who strikes up a friendship with two children—Mark, played by John Chaffey
John Chaffey
John Chaffey is a former child actor who was featured in many television adverts and the Peter Sellers movie The Optimists of Nine Elms .-External links:...
(who at the time was featured in many advertisements on TV) and Liz, played by Donna Mullane. Neither of the child actors were featured in future films. A young Keith Chegwin
Keith Chegwin
Keith Chegwin is an English television presenter, former child actor and singer.-Early career:Chegwin's early roles were in works of the Children's Film Foundation, appearing as Egghead Wentworth in The Troublesome Double Egghead's Robot . He also appeared as a stowaway in Doomwatch episode...
also played a small role in the film.
The screenplay had originally been written several years earlier as a comeback vehicle for Buster Keaton
Buster Keaton
Joseph Frank "Buster" Keaton was an American comic actor, filmmaker, producer and writer. He was best known for his silent films, in which his trademark was physical comedy with a consistently stoic, deadpan expression, earning him the nickname "The Great Stone Face".Keaton was recognized as the...
Cast
- Peter SellersPeter SellersRichard Henry Sellers, CBE , known as Peter Sellers, was a British comedian and actor. Perhaps best known as Chief Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther film series, he is also notable for playing three different characters in Dr...
as Sam - Marjorie YatesMarjorie YatesMarjorie Yates is a British actress most famous for her role as Carol Fisher in the Channel 4 drama Shameless.Yates was born in Birmingham, England, and studied at the Bournville College of Art...
as Chrissie Ellis - Donna Mullane as Liz
- John ChaffeyJohn ChaffeyJohn Chaffey is a former child actor who was featured in many television adverts and the Peter Sellers movie The Optimists of Nine Elms .-External links:...
as Mark - David DakerDavid DakerDavid Daker is an English actor.His is best known for his role as Harry Crawford in the hit series Boon. He also played PC Owen Culshaw in Z-Cars, Jarvis in Porridge, Captain Nathan Spiker in Dick Turpin....
as Bob Ellis