The Amazing Mr. Blunden (1974)

Redundant and unnecessary.

i must have seen a different film!!

Am i the only one who thinks........Average?

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

(55%) A better than most period set family horror that gets by because it well made, watchable, and above all else: simple entertainment. The plot may be messy and a bit clumsy, but the charm that runs through makes for a worthwhile sit. Anyone who is familiar with modern Hammer hit "The woman in black" will notice a slight similar feel and look to the mansion house, though this wouldn't scare a baby. The premise is a decent stab at an old spooky house ghost story; although things do get a little too silly at times (the time travelling ghost potion). It's best to think of this as a holiday, wet and windy afternoon type of film, and in that regards this is a good little watch.

THE AMAZING MR. BLUNDEN is a delightful old-fashioned ghost story in the best traditional sense. Directed to the hilt by actor Lionel Jeffries, who clearly has a thorough understanding of his genre, this is timeless stuff, a children's film filled with the kind of atmosphere and engaging storyline that you won't find in most of today's soulless fare.The story is entirely predictable for this particular sub-genre; two kids move to a remote and dilapidated country mansion, which they soon discover is inhabited by the ghosts of two children who mysteriously died in a fire in the past. What follows is a traditional time-slip tale along the lines of TOM'S MIDNIGHT GARDEN, packed with familiar character actors a sense of quality.As director, Jeffries has an eye for a decent performance, and thus the film is inhabited by quality acting. Lynne Frederick and Garry Miller are excellent as the protagonist twosome caught up in the supernatural events, and the likes of Graham Crowden, David Lodge, Madeline Smith, Diana Dors and of course Laurence Naismith excel in various supporting parts.The narrative is action-packed, filled with incident and never less than engaging, and the story as a whole is filled with atmosphere and a kind of timeless joy which makes it highly entertaining to watch. Sad to say they don't make films like this anymore, which for me is a real pity.

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.

I first saw this film at the cinema when I was 9 years old when it was originally released (which gives you a clue as to how old I am now). I have never forgotten this film and while "The Railway Children" has justly taken its place in British cinema as a classic family film, this film deserves some love too. Everyone associated with this film is at the top of their game. Behind the camera, Lionel Jefferies provides a great script (adapted from Antonia Barber's original book "The Ghosts") and great direction too. Great atmosphere is provided courtesy of Wilfred Shingleton's production design, Gerry Fisher's excellent photography and one of Hollywood regular Elmer Bernstein's greatest scores (for what was a small British film - who'd have guessed?).In front of the camera, the talent is equally impressive and it is sign of Lionel Jefferies unrecognised talent as a director that he draws some great performances from his cast, some of whom have never been better than they are here. Diana Dors shows a rare talent as a character actress and there are also good performances from David Lodge, James Villiers, Madeline Smith, Deddie Davies, Laurence Naismith, Graham Crowden, Garry Miller, Dorothy Alison and Rosalyn Landor.And for the ill-fated Lynne Frederick who has given a number of poor performances in bit parts over the years before her death and who was unfortunately better known for her chaotic personal life and the unpleasant aftermath to her marriage to Peter Sellers, her appearance here is a revelation. I disagree with one of the previous posts that says that she is slightly too old for the role. To me she seems absolutely right and if she is too old, then so too are Jenny Agutter and Sally Thomsett in "The Railway Children". It is a tragedy that Lynne Frederick did not go on to fulfil the promise that she showed in this film and if she really was a mediocre actress, then Lionel Jefferies deserves even more credit for drawing such a great performance from her for this film as she is excellent here (especially during the scenes in which Langley Park burns at the end). It's a shame what happened to her in real life but instead of remembering her as the bloated alcoholic drug-addicted wreck that she became, I prefer to remember the Lynne Frederick forever immortalised on film here - a beautiful young woman who had so much promise.By the way, when is someone going to release Elmer Bernstein's wonderful score to this film on CD?