Peter Sellers (in a false nose) plays a poverty-row street-performer in working-class London, using a cute mutt to collect donations while he sings and plays the ukulele, who is befriended by two children whose parents are away all day working. Director Anthony Simmons, who also co-adapted the screenplay with Tudor Gates from his 1964 book, has a keen eye for human behavior, and he allows his star ample to room to show off and be 'whimsical.' Unfortunately, there's not enough going on here to justify the film's elongated running-time, and the bleak surroundings depress an already-melancholy scenario. *1/2 from ****

It's been several years since I saw The Optimists and then only the once. But the movie stands out in my memory as one of the very best I've seen and remembered. I like Peter Sellers in any movie and this is one of his best works. The story is so typical of the era and it presents the gritty real life of the time, much like my own childhood. The tale is very much in the vein of Kes, another real life drama of equal merit, which was made around the same time and reflects the same childhood era. I'd like to see it again and own a copy of the film myself. If there is anyone with a copy or knows where I may obtain a copy, it would be very much appreciated.

"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.

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.