The Amazing Mr. Blunden (1974)

Just what I expected

I wanted to but couldn't!

it is finally so absorbing because it plays like a lyrical road odyssey that’s also a detective story.

The joyful confection is coated in a sparkly gloss, bright enough to gleam from the darkest, most cynical corners.

As intriguing as Gothic ghost can be, this one ranks a "boo!" from me, slow moving and often static, with a ton of obnoxious characters who do nothing but bray. I give Diana Dors credit for becoming shrill and obnoxious from all those sexy vixens she played a decade before. But she's so nasty here that the most vile of Dickens characters are sympathetic in comparison. I didn't buy for a second the story premise of Lawrence Naismith bringing a poor widow and her two children to be caretakers for a remote country mansion. I had seen "The Railway Children" as a kid so hearing that this was a sort of followup (with hints of "Heidi") made this a real curiosity. But having gotten this in a .99 cent bin, I have no qualms about releasing this from my collection. Mystery is fine and surprises make them interesting as long as the twists are acceptable. Had there been less shrill screeching of oh so cute ghostly kiddies and nasty housekeepers and other servants, I might have given this more attention. I truly couldn't wait for this to bid me "the end".

The Amazing Mr. Blunden is directed by Lionel Jeffries who also adapts the screenplay from Antonia Barber's novel The Ghosts. It stars Lynne Frederick, Garry Miller, Rosalyn Landor, Marc Granger, Laurence Naismith, Diana Dors, Madeline Smith and James Villiers. Music is scored by Elmer Bernstein and cinematography by Gerry Fisher.1918, London, England, and Mrs. Allen and her three children are visited on Christmas Eve by mysterious old solicitor Mr. Blunden. He offers them a way out of their impoverished surroundings in Camden Town. There's a housekeeping opportunity at a derelict country mansion called Langley Park, the place having been gutted by a major fire previously. There's a reason for the two eldest Allen children, Lucy and Jamie, being there, their help is needed....by child ghosts from 1818!It has one of the worst posters ever made for a movie, a poster that hints at some guy called Blunden being some superman type magician! Which when coupled with the title of the film really sets up a bum steer for new viewers. To those in the know, the nostalgic Brits like myself, it's a lovely ghost/fantasy story about cross time redemption, resplendent in period flavours whilst operating from an intelligent script. The complex story is delicately crafted by director Jeffries (The Railway Children), this is never about scares, it's a Dickensian type drama that features ghosts of children clutching in the future for help in the past. Relationships are well formed, villains (Dors unrecognisable and immensely vile like) are afforded time to not be of the pantomime kind, and it all builds to a dramatic last quarter where sitting on the edge of your seat is a requisite. And then comes a moment to put warmth into the coldest of hearts.A beautiful movie, directed and acted with appropriate skill from all involved. If you're looking for a family friendly period ghost story, this is for you. 8/10

I was vastly underwhelmed by "The Amazing Mr. Blunden," which I purchased for a hefty price after reading several positive reviews here. The film started off poorly and got progressively worse as the 95-minute ordeal dragged by. The script was shallow with characters we don't care about, special effects were amateurish, and even the editing was choppy (with many noticeable splices). Worst of all, the acting was painfully unconvincing, particularly by Diana Dors as Mrs. Wickens, the sadistic housekeeper. Exceptions would be Laurence Naismith, who was quite effective in the title role, and all four of the children, who were acceptable for their ages. The only reason I can see for purchasing this ill-conceived product is the sweet loveliness of teenager Lynne Frederick. She never fails to light up the screen.

This is a film for children and adults alike, a warming family film which sends a message of compassion and hope. Mr Blunden(Laurence Naismith) is the benevolent, kindly guardian of the children Jamie and Lucy who sets out to right a wrong from 100 years ago. Because of Mr. Blunden's insensitivity and unwilingness to listen, two children and a gardener who tried to save them die in a fire started by the wicked Mrs Wickens (Diana Dors). The children (the ghosts) get Jamie and Lucy to drink a magic potion which sends them back in time to try to change what has already happened. Mr Blunden has been a tortured soul for 100 years as he ignored the pleas of the children who told him that Mrs Wickens was out to poison them, so she could get their inheritance for her beloved Bella who married the financially impoverished Bertie, who doesn't have a pot to pee in. Bella (Madeline Smith) is the childlike daughter of Mrs Wickens who can see ghosts as she only has the mind of a child but the body of a buxom wench. Mr Blunden saves the day by guiding Jamie and Lucy through the flames to save the children from the fire and changing history in the process. We get the happy ending we hope for, with everyone living happily ever after and Mr Blunden's gravestone reads "The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep". This will bring a lump to your throat. This film has been criticised for being muddled but all you need is a rich imagination to appreciate this film. Some wonderful performances from the cream of English acting talent: Diana Dors, Laurence Naismith and the beau of the ball, ex playmate of the year Madeline Smith. Enjoy!