This is an obviously low-budget film from Cary Grant. It seems that most of the stars of the 1940s did a few cheap-o independent films during the 1930s (Bogart and Cagney did a few that I recently reviewed). However, what sets this film apart is that despite its poor quality at times, it's a surprisingly watchable. So, if you ignore one or two flat performances by supporting cast members and sets that are not exactly MGM quality, you'll be rewarded with a decent film. Yes, I'll admit that the plot is just a little bit silly, but because of its charm and brisk pace, it satisfies. Cary plays a rich and lazy guy who finds himself bored with life. When he goes to the doctor, the doc tells him to stop sniveling about his life and DO something productive--get a job and stop being a self-indulgent jerk. Cary takes this as a challenge and decides to make himself over--all for the better. About the only strong negative I felt is that the girl that Cary is destined to marry in the film just seems awfully immature and stupid at the end of the film--I wanted him to find someone better!
38 Reviews
The Amazing Adventure
Tweekums18 June 2018
This inter-war comedy-drama is centred on Ernest Bliss; he is a millionaire but still isn't happy. A friend advises him to see Sir James Aldroyd, a Harley Street consultant. Sir James tells Bliss that the problem boredom; he has so much money he doesn't need to do anything. The two end up making a bet; Bliss must live for a year without touching his financial reserves; if he loses he must pat £50,000, if he wins he gets an apology. He leaves his expensive flat in the hands of his butler the catches a tube to the East End with only five pounds in his wallet.
He struggles to get a job but eventually gets one at a struggling business but after using some of his own money to help the company he moves on so he can't be seen as benefitting from his wealth. He later gets a job working as a chauffeur but keeps in touch with the secretary from his former job. They develop a relationship but will she settle down with a man she thinks is almost penniless?
The story is simple enough but works nicely. The protagonist may be rich but the message to viewers, few of whom could aspire to his wealth, is that money doesn't buy happiness; that it is better to be poor and happy then rich and bored... not too subtle but not as patronising as it could be. Gary Grant does a fine job as Bliss and Mary Brian is likeable as his romantic interest, Frances. There are a couple of entertaining if not entirely necessary subplots; one involving a pair of crooks who think Bliss is merely somebody who looks like him and try to recruit him to rob himself and second involving an employee who is trying to take advantage of Frances. Overall this isn't a classic but it is fun enough, especially if you are a fan of Cary Grant or 1930s British cinema.
These comments are based on watching the shortened version of the film; I must say it did feel a bit rushed at times so it would be interesting to compare it to the full length version.
He struggles to get a job but eventually gets one at a struggling business but after using some of his own money to help the company he moves on so he can't be seen as benefitting from his wealth. He later gets a job working as a chauffeur but keeps in touch with the secretary from his former job. They develop a relationship but will she settle down with a man she thinks is almost penniless?
The story is simple enough but works nicely. The protagonist may be rich but the message to viewers, few of whom could aspire to his wealth, is that money doesn't buy happiness; that it is better to be poor and happy then rich and bored... not too subtle but not as patronising as it could be. Gary Grant does a fine job as Bliss and Mary Brian is likeable as his romantic interest, Frances. There are a couple of entertaining if not entirely necessary subplots; one involving a pair of crooks who think Bliss is merely somebody who looks like him and try to recruit him to rob himself and second involving an employee who is trying to take advantage of Frances. Overall this isn't a classic but it is fun enough, especially if you are a fan of Cary Grant or 1930s British cinema.
These comments are based on watching the shortened version of the film; I must say it did feel a bit rushed at times so it would be interesting to compare it to the full length version.
Riches To Rags and Back again.
MartynGryphon30 July 2009
Warning: Spoilers
The Amazing Quest of Ernest Bliss, is not a mind blowing film by any stretch of the imagination. However, it is noteworthy as being the one and only film Cary Grant ever made in his native England for an English Studio.
Grant plays Ernest Bliss, a wealthy London playboy with nothing to do but drink martini's in his posh west end club and wine and dine the female socialites of his class. Amazingly, he's still not a happy man, he's restless and short tempered and not knowing why, he visits the Harley Street Offices of Doctor Sir James Alroyd. (Peter Gawthorne). Sir James however, not only has his Harley Street practice, but is a great philanthropist who also helps the poorer people from the East End over come their ailments for little or no payment, and cannot disguise his visible contempt for Bliss.
After examining Bliss he delivers his diagnosis to the shocked playboy, which turns out to be nothing more than a chronic case of boredom. He's bored because he's been spoilt and pampered all of his life without ever having to do a single thing for himself and hasn't anything constructive to do but live out his days spending his inheritance. Bliss in an attempt to prove there is more to him than what Sir James has said, bets him £50'000 that he can make an honest living for a whole year without touching any of his money for his own benefit.
Incognito, Bliss sets off to the East End in an old suit and just enough money for the tube fare, but soon realises that his 'quest' is not as easy as he first thought. However, he also realises the strength and kindheartedness of the working classes. He's touched by the generosity of these people, good people who will give you what they have even though they haven't that much to give. Convinced that he is not using his money for HIS own benefit as his deal with Sir James stipulated, Bliss begins to use his inheritance to help these people out of certain situations, thus changing their lives for the better.
As I mentioned earlier, it's not a great film but it's heart is certainly in the right place. and the movie is riddled with great and much missed British character actors/actresses of the 1930's and '40's. American Actress Mary Brian plays Frances Clayton, Grant's love interest.
It such a shame that the movie runs just a little over an hour and has obviously been cut to shreds by a crazed studio editor somewhere, because there is/was an 80 minute print of this movie available at one time or another. So my 'amazing quest' is now to hunt down this elusive version if it still exists which sadly I doubt, as Empire Film Studios were never a major player in British movie making before or after the war. It's a genuine possibility that the original 80 minute print was destroyed in the blitz with only the 61 minute USA version still in existence. who knows?.
Enjoy!!!
Grant plays Ernest Bliss, a wealthy London playboy with nothing to do but drink martini's in his posh west end club and wine and dine the female socialites of his class. Amazingly, he's still not a happy man, he's restless and short tempered and not knowing why, he visits the Harley Street Offices of Doctor Sir James Alroyd. (Peter Gawthorne). Sir James however, not only has his Harley Street practice, but is a great philanthropist who also helps the poorer people from the East End over come their ailments for little or no payment, and cannot disguise his visible contempt for Bliss.
After examining Bliss he delivers his diagnosis to the shocked playboy, which turns out to be nothing more than a chronic case of boredom. He's bored because he's been spoilt and pampered all of his life without ever having to do a single thing for himself and hasn't anything constructive to do but live out his days spending his inheritance. Bliss in an attempt to prove there is more to him than what Sir James has said, bets him £50'000 that he can make an honest living for a whole year without touching any of his money for his own benefit.
Incognito, Bliss sets off to the East End in an old suit and just enough money for the tube fare, but soon realises that his 'quest' is not as easy as he first thought. However, he also realises the strength and kindheartedness of the working classes. He's touched by the generosity of these people, good people who will give you what they have even though they haven't that much to give. Convinced that he is not using his money for HIS own benefit as his deal with Sir James stipulated, Bliss begins to use his inheritance to help these people out of certain situations, thus changing their lives for the better.
As I mentioned earlier, it's not a great film but it's heart is certainly in the right place. and the movie is riddled with great and much missed British character actors/actresses of the 1930's and '40's. American Actress Mary Brian plays Frances Clayton, Grant's love interest.
It such a shame that the movie runs just a little over an hour and has obviously been cut to shreds by a crazed studio editor somewhere, because there is/was an 80 minute print of this movie available at one time or another. So my 'amazing quest' is now to hunt down this elusive version if it still exists which sadly I doubt, as Empire Film Studios were never a major player in British movie making before or after the war. It's a genuine possibility that the original 80 minute print was destroyed in the blitz with only the 61 minute USA version still in existence. who knows?.
Enjoy!!!
Grant Makes It Worth Watching
Michael_Elliott10 April 2017
The Amazing Adventure (1936)
** 1/2 (out of 4)
Ernest Bliss (Cary Grant) is a millionaire whose doctor says any ill-health would be because he's a spoiled person who doesn't know what hard work is. The doctor then makes a bet with Bliss that he wouldn't be able to live without his inheritance, which Bliss disagrees with. Soon the once millionaire is starting from scratch and trying to live like an average man for one year.
After several years in Hollywood, Grant returned to Britian where he made this film, which was originally released under the title of THE AMAZING QUEST OF ERNEST BLISS. Grant would return to Hollywood where he's start some of the most famous films of his career. However, when this film finally hit America, it did so under the title THE AMAZING ADVENTURE and its original 81-minute running time was cut down to just 61-minutes, which is the version reviewed here.
During this era there were quite a few movies that were about rich brats who took bets to live like your average poor man. The story certainly wasn't anything fresh or original and overall the quality of this movie isn't the greatest but if you're a fan of Grant then it's certainly worth watching especially since he turns in such a good and fun performance.
I thought he was extremely believable int he role of this rich man who finally and quickly sees how hard the working man has it. Grant brought the class to the role that you'd expect and he also handles the more charming moments perfectly and especially at the end. Mary Brian plays the love interest and she too is good in her role, although it certainly wasn't the best written in the film.
I'm not sure what's missing or whether or not it improved the film or not. With that said, the direction isn't the greatest and the film doesn't have much style going for it. What it does have is a charming story and the wonderful performance by Grant, which makes it worth watching to his fans.
** 1/2 (out of 4)
Ernest Bliss (Cary Grant) is a millionaire whose doctor says any ill-health would be because he's a spoiled person who doesn't know what hard work is. The doctor then makes a bet with Bliss that he wouldn't be able to live without his inheritance, which Bliss disagrees with. Soon the once millionaire is starting from scratch and trying to live like an average man for one year.
After several years in Hollywood, Grant returned to Britian where he made this film, which was originally released under the title of THE AMAZING QUEST OF ERNEST BLISS. Grant would return to Hollywood where he's start some of the most famous films of his career. However, when this film finally hit America, it did so under the title THE AMAZING ADVENTURE and its original 81-minute running time was cut down to just 61-minutes, which is the version reviewed here.
During this era there were quite a few movies that were about rich brats who took bets to live like your average poor man. The story certainly wasn't anything fresh or original and overall the quality of this movie isn't the greatest but if you're a fan of Grant then it's certainly worth watching especially since he turns in such a good and fun performance.
I thought he was extremely believable int he role of this rich man who finally and quickly sees how hard the working man has it. Grant brought the class to the role that you'd expect and he also handles the more charming moments perfectly and especially at the end. Mary Brian plays the love interest and she too is good in her role, although it certainly wasn't the best written in the film.
I'm not sure what's missing or whether or not it improved the film or not. With that said, the direction isn't the greatest and the film doesn't have much style going for it. What it does have is a charming story and the wonderful performance by Grant, which makes it worth watching to his fans.
better than expected
jpickerel1 April 2007
As stated before me, this is a story that's been done before, most notably "Sullivan's Travels", made a few years hence. A rich young man takes a bet that he can live on a working man's wages for a year, and ventures forth to prove it. The most notable difference here is Cary Grant in the lead, vs. Joel McCrea. Now, I have nothing against Mr. McCrea. But there is a reason why Cary Grant became a mega star, and Joel McCrea didn't. Comparison of these two films makes the differences quite clear. Grant had a glib, polished presence that somehow translated into believability for most of us, and it shows through, even in this early film. The story is predicable, but not so as to make you want to stop watching. Spend the time, and enjoy the performances of Grant and Mary Brian.
Nice film , leaves you happy
rogaerial6 February 2011
Cary Grant had a tough young life in Bristol so maybe some of this films story reminded him. Pity the version I saw was not the full 80 minutes it would have been better to judge rather than this 61 minute version which seems a bit rushed at the end when regrettably Mary Brian forgot her English accent and it became a bit 'stagy' - a pity because the supporting actors did a good job I thought. Cary Grant was capable of good dramatic rolls though rarely got them and in this film he wasn't able to show his ability enough. I'm glad; however this film was made in England rather than America as it did add something to the authenticity of the few exteriors and general atmosphere of the story.
amiable, formulaic Cary Grant movie
hbs19 October 2000
It's no "North by Northwest", that's for sure. However, it's a sweet enough little movie, which plays out just as you expect it to from the very beginning. And it's interesting to watch Grant in a sort of larval state. I read a quote of his that said something to the effect that he eventually became Cary Grant after playing him in the movies, and you can see a little of these later roles in his performance here.
Depression fare
malcolmgsw27 March 2022
This is the type of wish fulfillment film that was very popular in the thirties. S wealthy man gives up a wealthy lifestyle and to help the ppor,rather like My Man Godfrey.
Reasoably entertaining with goproduction values.
Reasoably entertaining with goproduction values.
Greed Is....Not Good In A Movie
AudioFileZ31 May 2021
In '36 the idea of being so wealthy you actually suffered must have seemed truly ludicrious. Many Americans were still struggling post the great market crash so wealth was more like what would fix rather than break one's quality of life. So when the young Earnest Bliss (Grant) finds his health in the doldrums he is challenged by his doctor to quit living like a millionaire as nothing else is wrong with him. Bliss being somewhat insulted decides to take the doctor up on a bet that he can't live like a regular person living paycheck to paycheck. Wanting to prove he can live without almost unlimited income Bliss finds a much different life.
In this movie there's lots of room for comedy as well as social and moral commentaries. One thing early on is that it often takes money to change things, but triffles like this aside Bliss finds meaning in his brushes with poverty. It often makes people too desperate even criminal. There is much that needs balancing with good morals And what can a meaningful life be without love. Love is the way forward and has the power to trump compromised morals. Greed is a multi-faceted downfall of the human condition. It's all here and if not done stupendously it entertains and challenges some thought. A quite modest movie with a larger message? Maybe? Still worth a watch no matter. Early Grant shows promise no doubt.
In this movie there's lots of room for comedy as well as social and moral commentaries. One thing early on is that it often takes money to change things, but triffles like this aside Bliss finds meaning in his brushes with poverty. It often makes people too desperate even criminal. There is much that needs balancing with good morals And what can a meaningful life be without love. Love is the way forward and has the power to trump compromised morals. Greed is a multi-faceted downfall of the human condition. It's all here and if not done stupendously it entertains and challenges some thought. A quite modest movie with a larger message? Maybe? Still worth a watch no matter. Early Grant shows promise no doubt.
Early Grant where you can see the charm forming
clevurguy11 June 2021
It's a short one, but we'll done. In its compactness it actually covers a lot of plot points. I enjoyed this and was happy and satisfied with the ending. I see that Grant was cast in a bunch of these shorter movies in the 30's, I hope to find another that was done this well. -- I give it 7/10 cool cats!
A career turning point
Varlaam10 January 1999
The year 1936 marks the end of Cary Grant's long apprenticeship. Filmographies differ as to the precise order of the films he released in this period, so this film -- the only one he made in Britain in the '30's -- makes a convenient watershed. Of his films released that year, this one is probably the weakest.
Cary at this point has his mature mannerisms, but he still lacks the sparkle. Moviegoers would have to wait another year. He really comes into his own in 1937 with "The Toast of New York", "Topper", and "The Awful Truth" in particular.
This film's plot follows the conventional Depression formula of a man of affluence temporarily renouncing his wealth in order to become a man of the people, with predictable results.
Cary at this point has his mature mannerisms, but he still lacks the sparkle. Moviegoers would have to wait another year. He really comes into his own in 1937 with "The Toast of New York", "Topper", and "The Awful Truth" in particular.
This film's plot follows the conventional Depression formula of a man of affluence temporarily renouncing his wealth in order to become a man of the people, with predictable results.
Beautiful old movie
ashkakaylee25 March 2013
This is a delightful little film. Something of a forgotten gem.
It lasts only just over an hour. But manages to pack a lot into that hour. It's all perfectly paced, though. It never seems hurried. Cary Grant is just wonderful as the rich but bored Ernest Bliss who goes slumming it on the streets of 1930's London and finds something very special out there. There isn't a dull scene in the film. Nothing is wasted in the effort to entertain. And it all works very well. This is a taster of what was to come from Cary Grant and he is just superb here. He and Mary Brian have excellent chemistry together. This is definitely a little movie worth seeing.
It lasts only just over an hour. But manages to pack a lot into that hour. It's all perfectly paced, though. It never seems hurried. Cary Grant is just wonderful as the rich but bored Ernest Bliss who goes slumming it on the streets of 1930's London and finds something very special out there. There isn't a dull scene in the film. Nothing is wasted in the effort to entertain. And it all works very well. This is a taster of what was to come from Cary Grant and he is just superb here. He and Mary Brian have excellent chemistry together. This is definitely a little movie worth seeing.
The secret millionnaire
AAdaSC7 November 2010
Ernest Bliss (Cary Grant) is one of the idle rich and is challenged by his doctor Sir James Alroyd (Peter Gawthorne) to earn his living for a full year without dipping into his personal wealth. He takes on the challenge and guess what?.....he finds love....
This film ticks along at a nice pace as Cary Grant tries his hand at a couple of jobs. We encounter funny situations as he uses his wealth to provide for those that he encounters, eg, the order for 100 fireplaces and the moment he is sacked as a chauffeur and immediately buys the company and sacks the manager back and puts his chauffeur buddy in charge. There is also a funny situation when he finds himself back at his own flat which is being rented by a couple of crooks. We watch as the new tenants smoke his cigars and drink his port without realizing who he is.
Overall, this film is an entertaining 65 minutes. It says 80 minutes on the cover of the DVD that I bought, but it isn't. It's lightweight and amusing.
This film ticks along at a nice pace as Cary Grant tries his hand at a couple of jobs. We encounter funny situations as he uses his wealth to provide for those that he encounters, eg, the order for 100 fireplaces and the moment he is sacked as a chauffeur and immediately buys the company and sacks the manager back and puts his chauffeur buddy in charge. There is also a funny situation when he finds himself back at his own flat which is being rented by a couple of crooks. We watch as the new tenants smoke his cigars and drink his port without realizing who he is.
Overall, this film is an entertaining 65 minutes. It says 80 minutes on the cover of the DVD that I bought, but it isn't. It's lightweight and amusing.
The Importance of Being Ernest Bliss
bkoganbing23 June 2006
Cary Grant just as he was coming into his own as a Hollywood icon went back to the UK to make this mild independent production that was released here by the short lived Grand National Studios.
As Ernest Bliss he's a rather indolent and bored rich young twit and is feeling run down lately. His doctor talks to him like a Dutch uncle, saying his only problem is that if he had to work for a living he wouldn't be so bored. The doctor bets Cary that he couldn't go for a year just living on wages he'd make from a job.
Today we would call people like this trust fund babies. Two examples of that, each in their own way, would be Paris Hilton and Michael Moore. Cary takes him up on the challenge and does in fact live for a year himself on his own wages from various jobs.
Cary does cheat a little though, he reaches into his trust fund, but to help other people. And he does learn a lesson about what ordinary people have to deal with.
In real life Grant knew full well. As Archie Leach in London he grew up in some very humble circumstances and knew full well what hard work was all about.
Though Cary's performance was fine, the production values on this film were pretty shoddy. There was material for an A picture though, Frank Capra should have done this story and James Stewart would have been great had the location been America.
As Ernest Bliss he's a rather indolent and bored rich young twit and is feeling run down lately. His doctor talks to him like a Dutch uncle, saying his only problem is that if he had to work for a living he wouldn't be so bored. The doctor bets Cary that he couldn't go for a year just living on wages he'd make from a job.
Today we would call people like this trust fund babies. Two examples of that, each in their own way, would be Paris Hilton and Michael Moore. Cary takes him up on the challenge and does in fact live for a year himself on his own wages from various jobs.
Cary does cheat a little though, he reaches into his trust fund, but to help other people. And he does learn a lesson about what ordinary people have to deal with.
In real life Grant knew full well. As Archie Leach in London he grew up in some very humble circumstances and knew full well what hard work was all about.
Though Cary's performance was fine, the production values on this film were pretty shoddy. There was material for an A picture though, Frank Capra should have done this story and James Stewart would have been great had the location been America.
Worthwhile Idea, & Has Some Good Scenes
Snow Leopard14 February 2006
This has a worthwhile story idea, plus Cary Grant in one of his earlier starring roles, and it has some good scenes. There are a number of other, better movies made in the 1930s that were based on similar ideas, but this one is a solid feature. The main thing that keeps it from being better is that the story and script do not always make the best use of their opportunities. As a result, there are some sequences that take up screen time that could have been used for something better, while some potentially fine moments are under-emphasized.
Grant plays a wealthy young man who has become jaded and spoiled by the company of other well-to-do idlers, and who sets out on a challenge to learn how to work for a living. This setup lends itself to a lot of good material, and the best moments are Grant's interactions with other everyday persons who don't know who he is.
Within a very short time after this was filmed, Grant became one of the best actors around at handling this kind of material, and he was then able to make this kind of story work even when it wasn't particularly well-written. Here, there are a number of times when his developing flair shows through, but he wasn't quite experienced enough yet to carry the whole load, so there are some sequences that lack the spark that they needed in order to keep moving. It makes the movie somewhat uneven, still worth seeing if you like the era and genre, but otherwise unremarkable.
Grant plays a wealthy young man who has become jaded and spoiled by the company of other well-to-do idlers, and who sets out on a challenge to learn how to work for a living. This setup lends itself to a lot of good material, and the best moments are Grant's interactions with other everyday persons who don't know who he is.
Within a very short time after this was filmed, Grant became one of the best actors around at handling this kind of material, and he was then able to make this kind of story work even when it wasn't particularly well-written. Here, there are a number of times when his developing flair shows through, but he wasn't quite experienced enough yet to carry the whole load, so there are some sequences that lack the spark that they needed in order to keep moving. It makes the movie somewhat uneven, still worth seeing if you like the era and genre, but otherwise unremarkable.
Not All That Amazing - The Amazing Adventure
arthur_tafero24 March 2022
This film stars Cary Grant as the only possible reason for viewing this B film. The story of a rich guy having to work for a living might appeal to a Depression-Era audience, but it is pretty ho-hum for modern movie-goers. Interesting only to see Grant in the beginning of his great career in film.
THE AMAZING QUEST OF ERNEST BLISS (Alfred Zeisler, 1936) **1/2
Bunuel197622 December 2007
Following Cary Grant's star-making supporting turn alongside Katharine Hepburn in SYLVIA SCARLETT (1935), he returned to his native land – England – for this one film (based on a popular play that had already been adapted for the screen as a Silent in 1920), and which makes for curious viewing even after all these years.
Grant is always worth watching, and he's fresh and appealing in this harmless but dated Capraesque comedy – a wealthy young man is bored by his lifestyle and places a bet with a celebrated doctor that he can earn his living for a year – but, as was the case with the majority of British films at the time, technical quality is lacking when compared to the more polished Hollywood product.
Interestingly, the star's role – where Grant is forced to deceive the leading lady, whom he loves – would be expounded upon in subsequent films; here, however, the narrative is allowed to turn maudlin towards the end…and, in any case, the version I watched (under the misleading U.S. moniker, THE AMAZING ADVENTURE) has been trimmed to a little over an hour from the original length of 80 minutes!
Grant is always worth watching, and he's fresh and appealing in this harmless but dated Capraesque comedy – a wealthy young man is bored by his lifestyle and places a bet with a celebrated doctor that he can earn his living for a year – but, as was the case with the majority of British films at the time, technical quality is lacking when compared to the more polished Hollywood product.
Interestingly, the star's role – where Grant is forced to deceive the leading lady, whom he loves – would be expounded upon in subsequent films; here, however, the narrative is allowed to turn maudlin towards the end…and, in any case, the version I watched (under the misleading U.S. moniker, THE AMAZING ADVENTURE) has been trimmed to a little over an hour from the original length of 80 minutes!
As close to time travel as we'll ever come...
Tessa-423 July 2005
I love movies like this because they are as close to time travel as we'll ever come. I've just read Cary Grant: A Biography by Marc Eliot, and to be able to see this movie after reading about it and what was going on in his life at the time is just wonderful.
The movie itself--well, it's tough to judge objectively when movies have changed so much in the intervening years. No car chases, no explosions, no body count--there aren't even any sound effects in the big fist-fight scene, just quiet little thuds instead of the "crack" "pow" "bam" noises we're used to hearing as fist hits chin. A quiet movie. A simple Aesop's fable of human values and the importance of meaningful work, starring an astonishingly beautiful man. Definitely worth watching.
The movie itself--well, it's tough to judge objectively when movies have changed so much in the intervening years. No car chases, no explosions, no body count--there aren't even any sound effects in the big fist-fight scene, just quiet little thuds instead of the "crack" "pow" "bam" noises we're used to hearing as fist hits chin. A quiet movie. A simple Aesop's fable of human values and the importance of meaningful work, starring an astonishingly beautiful man. Definitely worth watching.
The Importance of Being Generous
wes-connors13 July 2010
Fabulously wealthy Cary Grant (as Ernest Bliss) is depressed. Life among the idle rich can be a bore, and Mr. Grant hasn't figured out a way to make it exciting. He goes to a doctor (Peter Gawthorne), who rattles Grant by refusing to shake his hand. The prescription is for Grant to give up his wealth for a year, and earn his living from the bottom. Grant pounds the pavement as a stove salesman, and settles into his job as a chauffeur. At the former, he meets and begins to date pretty Mary Brian (as Frances Clayton).
The quest Grant takes really isn't all that amazing, and the romantic subplot sluggishly (and obviously) carries the day. It might have been better to have Grant leave the doctor's office angry, and develop amnesia. He never really abandons the use of his money, as you'll see - though the script argues the point with a caveat. The film uses an abundance of dissolves, and has an interesting close-up sequence featuring Grant emoting. He was close with co-star Ms. Brian, who had been more popular as a silent film ingénue.
**** The Amazing Quest of Ernest Bliss (7/28/36) Alfred Zeisler ~ Cary Grant, Mary Brian, Peter Gawthorne, Henry Kendall
The quest Grant takes really isn't all that amazing, and the romantic subplot sluggishly (and obviously) carries the day. It might have been better to have Grant leave the doctor's office angry, and develop amnesia. He never really abandons the use of his money, as you'll see - though the script argues the point with a caveat. The film uses an abundance of dissolves, and has an interesting close-up sequence featuring Grant emoting. He was close with co-star Ms. Brian, who had been more popular as a silent film ingénue.
**** The Amazing Quest of Ernest Bliss (7/28/36) Alfred Zeisler ~ Cary Grant, Mary Brian, Peter Gawthorne, Henry Kendall
A Better Use For Money...
azathothpwiggins4 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Believing himself to be quite ill, Ernest Bliss (Cary Grant) seeks the help of diagnostician, Sir James Alroyd (Peter Gawthorne). Alroyd tells Bliss that he suffers from what we might call "afluenza" today. Basically, Bliss is filthy rich and bored stiff. Alroyd suggests letting his current lifestyle go for a while.
Taking Alroyd up on his "prescription", Bliss sets out to get a regular job. In doing so, he experiences rejection, failure, and poverty for the first time in his life. He also discovers what it means to help others in need without receiving anything for himself.
Bliss goes from salesman to chauffeur, and even gets involved in a scheme by some shady types. A plot to defraud... himself!
THE AMAZING ADVENTURE is a quiet, humorous story full of moral lessons and social insights. Grant is, as usual, brilliant, as is Mary Brian as Bliss' love interest.
Another forgotten film that's due for rediscovery...
Taking Alroyd up on his "prescription", Bliss sets out to get a regular job. In doing so, he experiences rejection, failure, and poverty for the first time in his life. He also discovers what it means to help others in need without receiving anything for himself.
Bliss goes from salesman to chauffeur, and even gets involved in a scheme by some shady types. A plot to defraud... himself!
THE AMAZING ADVENTURE is a quiet, humorous story full of moral lessons and social insights. Grant is, as usual, brilliant, as is Mary Brian as Bliss' love interest.
Another forgotten film that's due for rediscovery...
" I started at the Bottom and worked my way down "
thinker169120 December 2013
A novel written by E.Phillip Oppenheim and directed by Alfred Zeisler became the basis of this funny, quirky movie which has been redone many times. The book was entitled 'The Amazing Adventure of Ernest Bliss' and appeared on the silver screen as " The Amazing Adventure. " The simple story is that of a gentleman name of Ernest Bliss (Cary Grant) who due to his multi Millionaire status finds himself completely bored with his life. Unable to understand why, seeks the advice of Sir James Alroyd (Peter Gawthorne) a good friend and prominent doctor. The physician explains that Bliss is bored because he has money and too much leisure time on his hands. Betting Bliss cannot live without his bankroll, challenges him to try and live without it for one whole year. A challenge Bliss accepts for 50,000 pounds. Thus with the bet in hand, the life of poverty is hard and becomes extremely difficult as the months begin to add up. This film is one of the first movies made in 1936 by Grant and soon establishes him as a great Thespian. Mary Brian plays Frances Clayton as his love's interest. The movie also is difficult in several other ways, the hardest of which is, it's in Black and White and of poor screen quality. However if you're a Cary Grant fan which I am, you'll find it amusing enough to watch it through. Recommended to all his fans. ****
The spoiled rich and a story of redemption
SimonJack24 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Ernest Bliss (played by Cary Grant) is a wealthy playboy and socialite Londoner. He doesn't work and he has nothing to do. He has never had to do anything constructive, and his life has become a bore. He doesn't know what to do to while away his time between evenings of partying. And he doesn't even enjoy the partying and night life.
As many another person in his situation, he is unhappy. He can't enjoy all the things that his wealth can buy. He is empty, listless, unsatisfied. A friend recommends a doctor who can "cure" him. Sir James Alroyd (played by Peter Gawthorne) analyzes Bliss's problem in direct and unflattering terms. He suffers from selfish consumption, self-centeredness, a lack of empathy for the travails of others, and the compunction that follows. He couldn't even survive on his own for a year.
Thus begins the "Amazing Adventure" of Ernest Bliss. Over the next year, this silver spoon-fed spoiled millionaire must learn how to live. He must learn how to find work, even when there's no work to be found. He must learn to work and hunt, scrape and save, ask and beg – for work, for food, for a break, for a chance. In the course of his adventures and moving from one job and place to another, something amazing happens. He begins to identify with everyday people. His life transforms as he begins to care for others. Life has meaning. Life has purpose, if only to share with others or to help someone out of a tight spot.
This film is an amazing story of one man's redemption – his rebirth. And Cary Grant plays the role to perfection. Not that we movie buffs should be surprised. Archibald Leach grew up poor in England, and mostly uneducated beyond age 14. While Grant is most remembered and loved for his many comedies and romantic roles, he was very talented as a dramatic actor as well. He proved it in a variety of roles he had interspersed with his comedy romances over the years. While his acting ability was never in question, some of those films were less than box office smashes. The public would allow him an occasional dramatic role, but for the most part, he had to play comedy and romance. In his leading man roles, he played opposite a host of Hollywood's best female stars of film over a period of four decades.
This film had several actors in supporting roles, most of whom did very well in their brief scenes. The one exception is Mary Brian, as Frances Clayton. She had more time than the rest on film, but her role was stiff and wooden at times. As Bliss takes on his year of learning how to live, not all is so serious that we don't have some humor. We see that in a few lines in places, and in one scene toward the end.
At one point, Bliss says to his banker, "Oh, what's the difference talking to you about love?" The banker says, "Very little, no doubt. But would a young lady disappear like this if there weren't some other interests?" Bliss says, "Nonsense! She loves me. She said so. I know she does. There's never been anybody else." After a pause, he resumes, "She wouldn't do that! She couldn't do that!" The bankers says, "Whatever that may be, I'd rather fancy that is just what she has done."
When Bliss begins his one-year quest without any ID or money, he tells his man/butler, Clowes (played by Quentin McPhearson) that he, Clowes, won't have anything to do for the next year in his job. He is to simply stay in Bliss's home and do nothing until his return. Bliss says, "Now, don't tell anyone about it, Clowes." Clowes says, "I quite understand." I won't say what happens to Clowes over the next months, but when all is resolved later, he says, "Believe me sir, it was having no work made me go wrong. It was too hard a job having nothing to do at all." Bliss says, "Of course it was. That used to be the trouble with me." When Bliss goes into the room to fetch his new bride, Frances, he finds her crying. Bliss says, "Darling, you're crying. What's the matter, baby?" Frances says, "Cinderella didn't cry in the story. But she would have in real life. I'm too happy not to cry. Too happy."
This is a wonderful story of one man's redemption, and how that touches the lives of many others. It is based on a book by prolific English novelist Edward Phillips Oppenheim. He wrote more than 100 novels from 1887 to 1941. But for the lesser quality of the film on my DVD, and the sub-par acting noted, it would earn 10 stars.
Here are some more favorite lines from the film. For more dialog, see the Quotes section under this IMDb Web page of the movie.
Ernest Bliss, "Rather difficult man to see, aren't you, Sir James?" Sir James Alroyd, "Not for those who are punctual. Any other complaints?"
Sir James Alroyd, "You know, your father was a clever man... but he made a big mistake when he left you two million pounds to play the fool with." Ernest Bliss, "Believe it or not, Sir James, I'm paying you 20 guineas to give me medical advice, not a lecture."
Ernest Bliss, "And believe me, Mr. Masters, this is the first time in my life I've been without a job." Frances Clayton, "You've been very lucky. But, uh, have you ever had one?"
Ernest Bliss, "Oh, say, I got the job." Frances Clayton, "I was afraid you would. Mr. Masters can take on anyone." Ernest Bliss, "Afraid I would? Hey, I can sell stoves."
As many another person in his situation, he is unhappy. He can't enjoy all the things that his wealth can buy. He is empty, listless, unsatisfied. A friend recommends a doctor who can "cure" him. Sir James Alroyd (played by Peter Gawthorne) analyzes Bliss's problem in direct and unflattering terms. He suffers from selfish consumption, self-centeredness, a lack of empathy for the travails of others, and the compunction that follows. He couldn't even survive on his own for a year.
Thus begins the "Amazing Adventure" of Ernest Bliss. Over the next year, this silver spoon-fed spoiled millionaire must learn how to live. He must learn how to find work, even when there's no work to be found. He must learn to work and hunt, scrape and save, ask and beg – for work, for food, for a break, for a chance. In the course of his adventures and moving from one job and place to another, something amazing happens. He begins to identify with everyday people. His life transforms as he begins to care for others. Life has meaning. Life has purpose, if only to share with others or to help someone out of a tight spot.
This film is an amazing story of one man's redemption – his rebirth. And Cary Grant plays the role to perfection. Not that we movie buffs should be surprised. Archibald Leach grew up poor in England, and mostly uneducated beyond age 14. While Grant is most remembered and loved for his many comedies and romantic roles, he was very talented as a dramatic actor as well. He proved it in a variety of roles he had interspersed with his comedy romances over the years. While his acting ability was never in question, some of those films were less than box office smashes. The public would allow him an occasional dramatic role, but for the most part, he had to play comedy and romance. In his leading man roles, he played opposite a host of Hollywood's best female stars of film over a period of four decades.
This film had several actors in supporting roles, most of whom did very well in their brief scenes. The one exception is Mary Brian, as Frances Clayton. She had more time than the rest on film, but her role was stiff and wooden at times. As Bliss takes on his year of learning how to live, not all is so serious that we don't have some humor. We see that in a few lines in places, and in one scene toward the end.
At one point, Bliss says to his banker, "Oh, what's the difference talking to you about love?" The banker says, "Very little, no doubt. But would a young lady disappear like this if there weren't some other interests?" Bliss says, "Nonsense! She loves me. She said so. I know she does. There's never been anybody else." After a pause, he resumes, "She wouldn't do that! She couldn't do that!" The bankers says, "Whatever that may be, I'd rather fancy that is just what she has done."
When Bliss begins his one-year quest without any ID or money, he tells his man/butler, Clowes (played by Quentin McPhearson) that he, Clowes, won't have anything to do for the next year in his job. He is to simply stay in Bliss's home and do nothing until his return. Bliss says, "Now, don't tell anyone about it, Clowes." Clowes says, "I quite understand." I won't say what happens to Clowes over the next months, but when all is resolved later, he says, "Believe me sir, it was having no work made me go wrong. It was too hard a job having nothing to do at all." Bliss says, "Of course it was. That used to be the trouble with me." When Bliss goes into the room to fetch his new bride, Frances, he finds her crying. Bliss says, "Darling, you're crying. What's the matter, baby?" Frances says, "Cinderella didn't cry in the story. But she would have in real life. I'm too happy not to cry. Too happy."
This is a wonderful story of one man's redemption, and how that touches the lives of many others. It is based on a book by prolific English novelist Edward Phillips Oppenheim. He wrote more than 100 novels from 1887 to 1941. But for the lesser quality of the film on my DVD, and the sub-par acting noted, it would earn 10 stars.
Here are some more favorite lines from the film. For more dialog, see the Quotes section under this IMDb Web page of the movie.
Ernest Bliss, "Rather difficult man to see, aren't you, Sir James?" Sir James Alroyd, "Not for those who are punctual. Any other complaints?"
Sir James Alroyd, "You know, your father was a clever man... but he made a big mistake when he left you two million pounds to play the fool with." Ernest Bliss, "Believe it or not, Sir James, I'm paying you 20 guineas to give me medical advice, not a lecture."
Ernest Bliss, "And believe me, Mr. Masters, this is the first time in my life I've been without a job." Frances Clayton, "You've been very lucky. But, uh, have you ever had one?"
Ernest Bliss, "Oh, say, I got the job." Frances Clayton, "I was afraid you would. Mr. Masters can take on anyone." Ernest Bliss, "Afraid I would? Hey, I can sell stoves."
Title's a little off.
Spuzzlightyear18 September 2005
Amazing Adventure is a movie which is about a filthy rich guy who places a bet with his doctor that he can be a poor schlep and live on a set income and cannot make more than x dollars a month. If this sounds familiar, this premise was of course used by Preston Sturges in his amazing (and much better) film Sullivan's Travels.
In this film, we have Cary Grant, in a very early role, playing the spoiled rich guy. He's, well, not BAD here, though he still needed some polish to become the debonair leading man that he turned out to be, you can still see some of the sparkle starting to shine through.
The story itself is a bit wobbly, and the conclusion is a bit too pat, as I said earlier, Sullivan's Travels covered the same ground a lot better in a couple of years time after this was made.
In this film, we have Cary Grant, in a very early role, playing the spoiled rich guy. He's, well, not BAD here, though he still needed some polish to become the debonair leading man that he turned out to be, you can still see some of the sparkle starting to shine through.
The story itself is a bit wobbly, and the conclusion is a bit too pat, as I said earlier, Sullivan's Travels covered the same ground a lot better in a couple of years time after this was made.
OK social drama with a young Cary Grant
rick_78 April 2010
The Amazing Adventure (Alfred Zeisler, 1936) is an earnest but muddled independent film featuring Cary Grant just as his star was about to go stratospheric. He plays a wealthy, despondent layabout challenged by his doctor to go for a year without relying on his riches. There are effective vignettes, notably those featuring selfless working class folk, but the film is ultimately a bit unsure of itself, suggesting that "money isn't everything" while its newly philanthropic protagonist spreads joy through his generous use of the paper stuff. The movie also lacks universality, with an absence of real insight into the society it is depicting and a heavyhanded, clichéd romantic subplot. As a chance to see Grant working on his home turf it's interesting, but as a British variation on contemporary Capra fare, it falls well short.
Seeking further information
AngieGPinto17 November 2005
I found the film interesting as it was set in London where I currently live and showed the London of my father and mother's young adulthood. I was born shortly after WWII began (7th November 1939) and I recall a few things about war, chiefly trying clean my father's brass buttons on his RAF uniform - he was a flight engineer but also had air gunner and then observer/navigator badges. I sometimes think how life was like for him growing up in the 1930s and it was mostly a hard time as the film reflects as Cary Grant finds it hard to get a job. My father died relatively young and I as I had moved away from home - Pembrokeshire - by the time I began to think about asking him about his early life and later war time experiences, sadly, he was dead.
I would like to have more detailed information on the film in terms of where it was shot - and if it was a British production - as it seems to be as the credits on the cheap DVD I got recently cite Empire Films - and the USofAmerica never formally claimed an empire although Bush currently is seeking to control the Western World and terrorise the rest-why Cary Grant appears in it. The 'mise en scene' reminds me very much of the Alfred Hitchcock Film, Blackmail, and thus I expected it to have been made much earlier - say 1931 - 32, as by 1936, filming had improved in terms of quality of visual presentation - in Go into your Dance, for example, there is a wonderful tracking shot across a bar/ dance hall/night club, as there is in Shall we Dance, when FA & GR enter the bar on the ship, so this film in comparison seems very badly shot in terms of camera technique and editing.
The DVD I got seems to be of a 16mm print, as was on I got from Tescos on Second Chorus - however, there may be a better quality DVD available - but that can't save an overstretched storyline. However, it is interesting to see quasi socio-dramas like this to see how the film makers saw society and how the film going public liked to see themselves, perhaps. Most ordinarily people in the 1930s were lesser educated than today and probably very naive and complacent about their situations - in the scene where the old car mechanic gets the sack my automatic thought was, where is his union representative?
I found it hard to get any information at all and took a long time to get to this website. I entered The Amazing Adventure into the AOL search engine and this particular film did not appear - so I have had to take a lengthy circuitous route to find what information you have.
In contrast when I looked up Kevin Costner's Adventures of Robin Hood, I was able to get a lot of information, most interestingly about the places the film was shot, one being St Bartholemew's Church in SE London - and I intended to visit this as its interiors are very different from the more usual perpendicular style - but I have not yet got around to doing this.
anyway, 'thank you for the information you have provided - which was much better than other sites.
B. Michael (Kilometres) James aka Penvronius Miles Cambrensis
I would like to have more detailed information on the film in terms of where it was shot - and if it was a British production - as it seems to be as the credits on the cheap DVD I got recently cite Empire Films - and the USofAmerica never formally claimed an empire although Bush currently is seeking to control the Western World and terrorise the rest-why Cary Grant appears in it. The 'mise en scene' reminds me very much of the Alfred Hitchcock Film, Blackmail, and thus I expected it to have been made much earlier - say 1931 - 32, as by 1936, filming had improved in terms of quality of visual presentation - in Go into your Dance, for example, there is a wonderful tracking shot across a bar/ dance hall/night club, as there is in Shall we Dance, when FA & GR enter the bar on the ship, so this film in comparison seems very badly shot in terms of camera technique and editing.
The DVD I got seems to be of a 16mm print, as was on I got from Tescos on Second Chorus - however, there may be a better quality DVD available - but that can't save an overstretched storyline. However, it is interesting to see quasi socio-dramas like this to see how the film makers saw society and how the film going public liked to see themselves, perhaps. Most ordinarily people in the 1930s were lesser educated than today and probably very naive and complacent about their situations - in the scene where the old car mechanic gets the sack my automatic thought was, where is his union representative?
I found it hard to get any information at all and took a long time to get to this website. I entered The Amazing Adventure into the AOL search engine and this particular film did not appear - so I have had to take a lengthy circuitous route to find what information you have.
In contrast when I looked up Kevin Costner's Adventures of Robin Hood, I was able to get a lot of information, most interestingly about the places the film was shot, one being St Bartholemew's Church in SE London - and I intended to visit this as its interiors are very different from the more usual perpendicular style - but I have not yet got around to doing this.
anyway, 'thank you for the information you have provided - which was much better than other sites.
B. Michael (Kilometres) James aka Penvronius Miles Cambrensis
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