adeUK

I've seen this just once: an infrequent TV outing 10 or 15 years ago. No sign on DVD despite the glut of everything Sellers. Perhaps his film career was in an odd state in the early 70s (as he himself seems to have been) but this film was a delight. I found a copy of the novel recently, written by Anthony Simmons who also directed the film. I think he's still around, although I don't think I've come across anything else he's done.

I really liked the social setting for the film, seeing parts of London we don't often see in the flesh, as well as a magical quality in an era of grit and grimaces. Sellers' role was a throwback to some of his earlier character work and was more endearing than most of his Hollywood efforts.

Where has this film vanished to? What other quirky, unsung gems form the early 70s am I missing?

kelp

I have this in VHS and it truly is a masterclass in character acting from Peter.

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR...YOU MAY GET IT!

smudge

This was made, IIRC, in the Panther gap period. It's a good little film and there are creditable performances all round. Sellers himself was quite proud of it, but he still sought to re-establish himself at the box office and so (somewhat inevitably) fell back on the Panthers - also assisting Blake Edwards' career out of a trough - which got broader and more ridiculous as time went on.

SMUDGE

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Ljelja

This is one of rare Sellers films I haven't seen. Apart from few never released, The Optimists, I think, had its opening night, and even appeared on VHS! Is it ever going to find its way onto DVD?! I mean, a whole lotta more rubbish Sellers flicks are out there, but why not this one?!?!

mel walton

"The Optimists" as this the one that featured two preteen children, one sassy little girl who,when here mother told her to do something, replied,"You do it, you're closer"? I have a vague (Very) memory of Sellers pushing a baby carriage. I do remember that I liked it.

smudge

Your memory serves you well - this is indeed the film with the two children and Sellers pushing the pram...

SMUDGE

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smudge

Check out the excellent FOUR IN THE MORNING, with a young Judi Dench, Norman Rodway, Joe Melia and Ann Lynn - a cracker.

He's also responsible for one of my fave bits of 'fluff and nonsense' YOUR MONEY OR YOUR WIFE with Donald Sinden, the delectable Peggy Cummins and anarchic support from Peter Reynolds and a pre-Bava Barbara Steele.



SMUDGE

Welcome to my house. Enter freely, and of your own will...

mel walton

Smudge
Thanks, nice to hear from you. all the best, mel

Tom May

Simmons later directed "Black Joy" (1977), featuring Norman Beaton and again excellent use of London locations.

"The Optimists of Nine Elms" is a sorely underrated film; very poignant, both in terms of Sellers' career and of Britain in the '70s. Watching it now, it seems like a vanished world: the last embers of old London and music-hall.

Mr Cosmo

Those of you living near London may be interested to know that THE OPTIMISTS is showing at the NFT later this week.
BFI | Southbank | The Optimists of Nine Elms

Ljelja

Now, I'm jealous. I didn't know the role was written for Buster Keaton. So, the script was much older...I wonder why he didn't do it? And I wonder what would the film look like with him, though I cannot but approve the choice of a British actor with at least some experience and feeling for that very music-hall tradition.

ChristineCB

This is definitely on my list of Most Wanteds. We'll get it one of these days...

Electrickery

There are a couple of clips from The Optimists on YouTube.

JamesM

Due out on DVD in June in the US, to be released by Paramount.

Pricey

Very boring and frustrating answer but I understood the reason Keaton didn't do it was the insurance company wouldn't support the idea due to his age and health.
Going off on a slight tangent but staying with Sellers and classic comedians, I heard he was the first choice of Mel Brooks for the part of Max Bialystock, but didn't really listen to Brooks' pitch and wandered away from the project, to be replaced by Zero Mostel. When The Producers came out, Sellers was it's greatest advocate and fan and probably regretted not listening to Mel when he had the chance.