moonspinner55
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 ****
jacq70
I once saw this wonderful film on TV and would give my eye teeth to see it again or to own it. I believe that there is a musical film as well as the drama that I saw.For some time, I have been searching for a copy or the tv station that must have shown it with no luck. I did find a copy of the book on which it was based. It's lovely.In my search, I came across these comments and hope that the writers return to the site to see mine. Perhaps they can direct me in my search for the video tapes (VHS).With great anticipation, I thank you in advance for your interest.
kryan-1
"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.
curtin_optom
This is a very sad and sensitive film, beautifully filmed in a very poor area of London just behind Battersea Power Station. If you enjoy Merchant Ivory films, the 'Kidnappers', or 'Whistle Down the Wind' then you will appreciate the delicate undertones of this story.It is very true to life in the late 60's in London and shows the resilience of the children and the sadness of a once great Music Hall star.
AD
