Roller-skating through Venice Beach, the Optimist (Enn Reitel) runs into a racing driver, the Girl (Dinah May). After helping her fix a bust tire, he follows the Girl to the racing circuit where he becomes a mechanic before deciding to disguise himself as one of the top drivers.
Suddenly it’s Grand Prix time and the race is on. The prize is not only the cup – the Optimist also hopes to win the girl from his rival, a bad-tempered Cabbie (Robert Davi). He comes in first, but fame is brief. It’s a fast getaway before anyone can find out his true identity.
ENN REITEL
the optimist
the optimist
DINAH MAY
the girl
the girl
ROBERT DAVI
the cabbie
the cabbie
BILL OSTRANDER
the foreman
director
PETER ELLIS
producer
ROBERT SIDAWAY
written by
RICHARD SPARKS
additional material
ENN REITEL
PETER ELLIS
ROBERT SIDAWAY
music and theme by
DAVID SPEAR
director of photography
PETER APPLETON
editor
JOHN DANIELS
art director
MIKE PORTER
executive producer
JOHN BRITTANY
co-producer
GRAHAM COTTLE
casting
JOSE VILLAVERDE
assistant director
GARY MAXWELL
assistant cameraman
FRANCIS DE GROOTE
technical assistant
ASHLEY SIDAWAY
electrician
DON JONES
grip
JJ JONES
production assistant
CAROLINE SUTTON
wardrobe
JOANNE KORER
make-up
CAROLYN COWAN
set dresser
PETER JACOVICH
runners
CLAIRE APPLETON
MATHEW HART
assistants to producer
SUE TONKINSON
BEV LANGLEY
musical director
CYRIL PAYNE
New Century Films production
with Charisma Films
for Channel 4
filmed on location in
Los Angeles, California
Summer 1982
