Marjorie Yates

Terence Davies' lyrical hymn to childhood focuses on his memories of growing up in a working-class, Catholic family in post-war Liverpool. Eleven-year-old Bud finds escape from the greyness of 50s Britain through trips to the cinema and in the warmth of family life. But as he gets older, the agonies of the adult world, the casual cruelty of bullying, the tyranny of school and the dread of religion begin to invade his life.

Ex-military man Donald Neilson's violent crime spree escalates to a botched kidnapping, unraveling his life and terrorizing a community.

As he feels life passing him by on his 50th birthday, Harry pursues barmaid Audrey in front of the whole pub.

The Optimists tells the story of Sam, a street performer with a unique outlook on life. Sam befriends two children who have led hardknock lives and teaches them to look at life from a new perspective. The novelty of having a song and dance man as a friend soon turns into something much deeper, as Sam realizes that the children have just as much to teach him about life. Set amongst a wonderful London backdrop, Peter Sellers stars in one of his most charming and tender roles ever in The Optimists.