| The Co-Optimists | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Laddie Cliff Edwin Greenwood |
| Produced by | E. Gordon Craig |
| Written by | Laddie Cliff Melville Gideon |
| Starring | Davy Burnaby Stanley Holloway Melville Gideon |
| Music by | Pierre De Caillaux (director) |
| Cinematography | Sydney Blythe Basil Emmott |
| Studio | Gordon Craig Productions |
| Distributed by | New Era |
| Release date(s) | UK 27 December 1929 United States 8 February 1930 |
| Running time | 83 or 11 minutes (sources differ) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
The Co-Optimists is a 1929 British black and white concert musical film. It contains excerts 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. They 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. It also provided Stanley Holloway with his second film appearance having been with the troupe from the start.
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.