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The Co-Optimists
Directed byLaddie Cliff
Edwin Greenwood
Written byLaddie Cliff
Melville Gideon
Produced byE. Gordon Craig
StarringDavy Burnaby
Stanley Holloway
Melville Gideon
CinematographySydney Blythe
Basil Emmott
Music byPierre De Caillaux (director)
Production
company
Gordon Craig Productions
Distributed byNew Era
Release dates
 UK
27 December 1929
 United States
8 February 1930
Running time
83 minutes
CountryTemplate:Film UK
LanguageEnglish

The Co-Optimists (1929) is a British black and white concert musical film, containing 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 ended 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, Betty Chester, star of the show, appeared in a short film made in the DeForest Phonofilm sound-on-film process, singing the song 'Pig-Tail Alley' from the show.

Cast

Critical response

Hal Erickson of All Movie Guide noted that the revue had recently finished its U.S. run. He criticized the film for its stagey presentation. He stated that the film was poorly received by the critics, although Burnaby as master of ceremonies was praised.[citation needed]

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