The Co-Optimists is an all-talking sound 1929 British musical film revue directed by Edwin Greenwood and Laddie Cliff and starring Davy Burnaby, Stanley Holloway and Betty Chester. It was made at Twickenham Studios. The film was broken up into parts and re-released as six short films in 1931.
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Production background
The film consists of excerpts from the stage musical of the same name which was devised by Davy Burnaby in 1921. The Co-Optimists consisted of a troupe of actors and singers and became largely successful by touring seaside resorts throughout England.
The show opened in London on 21 June 1921 and closed on 4 August 1927. The film was produced by Gordon Craig Productions and was directed by Laddie Cliff (who also starred in the film) and Edwin Greenwood. This film also provided Stanley Holloway with his second film appearance having been with the troupe from the start.
In December 1926, co-star Betty Chester appeared in a short film made in the DeForest Phonofilm sound-on-film process, singing the song 'Pig-Tail Alley' from the show.
Cast
Davy Burnaby
Laddie Cliff
Melville Gideon
Gilbert Childs
Stanley Holloway
Phyllis Monkman
Betty Chester
Elsa MacFarlane
Peggy Petronella
Harry S. Pepper
Critical response
Hal Erickson of All Movie Guide noted that the revue had recently finished its U.S. run at the time of this film's release. He criticized the film for its stagy presentation. He stated that the film was poorly received by the critics, although Burnaby as master of ceremonies was praised.