The Amazing Mr. Blunden (1972) User Reviews

You can be a ghost, but you don't have to be dead.

[hitchcockthelegend · 8/10 · 31 May 2012]

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

THE AMAZING MR. BLUNDEN (Lionel Jeffries, 1972) ***

[Bunuel1976 · 7/10 · 19 October 2008]

This Halloween challenge is giving me the opportunity to catch up with a lot of horror-themed movies I missed out on as I was growing up and this genteel but utterly charming children's ghost story is yet another one such instance. Two young kids who have inherited 30,000 pounds (a fortune in 19th Century England) are about to be done in by their half-brother' (James Villiers)'s nasty in-laws – a grotesque couple almost unrecognizably played by Diana Dors (complete with funny speech impediment) and David Lodge (playing a brain-damaged ex-boxer). Unfortunately, their pleas for intervention to both Villiers and their solicitor Mr. Blunden (Laurence Naismith) fall on deaf ears, but the latter becomes so guilt-stricken that he reappears a century later and 'wills' a modern-day couple of kids back into the past to save his charges from a fiery death!

The film is highlighted by a literate script (by director Jeffries), a meticulously-detailed production (for what it's worth, the early setting in London's Camden Town brought back memories to my visits there in January 2007, highlighted by my attending an all-star Rock concert!), an evocative score (by Elmer Bernstein) and good performances by all concerned. Ill-fated Lynne Frederick is one of the children, Hammer starlet Madeline Smith plays Dors' child-like daughter, while Graham Crowden appears briefly as the newest partner in Blunden's firm whose name the old man can never remember; incidentally, the cast list isn't given at the film's beginning – rather, Jeffries has the actors introduced at the end and bowing down to the audience just like in a stage play! Incidentally, former actor Jeffries (where he specialized in eccentric, bubbly types) had a reasonable directing career (with a penchant for children-oriented, though not necessarily kiddie, fare): even if his first effort – THE RAILWAY CHILDREN (1970) – is generally the best regarded of the lot, this one's definitely a close second.

Though not genuine horror fare as such, the ghost and time-travel devices here are enough to grant THE AMAZING MR. BLUNDEN a deserving place in this Halloween challenge; even so, the Leonard Maltin Film Guide's comment regarding its "muddled plot line" probably refers to the children going forward in time before the fateful accident (the boy even says, "You can be a ghost but you don't have to be dead") – yet, in the modern-day (1918) setting, we can clearly see their graves (which are no longer there by the end, having been replaced by a monument dedicated to Mr. Blunden who has now died in their place)! In conclusion and, just for the record, my viewing of the film was unfortunately slightly – but, thankfully, not too obtrusively – hampered by the jerky motion associated with the DivX format.

A charming supernatural fantasy.

[BA_Harrison · 8/10 · 11 October 2018]

1918, Camden, London: elderly solicitor Mr. Blunden (Laurence Naismith) calls at the squalid home of widower Mrs. Allen (Dorothy Alison) to offer her a job as caretaker of run-down country mansion Langley Park. Despite rumours that the property is haunted, Mrs. Allen moves into the caretaker's cottage with her three children, teenagers Lucy (Lynne Frederick) and Jamie (Garry Miller), and their baby brother Benjamin (Benjamin Smith).

In the grounds of the house, Lucy and Jamie encounter the spirits of two children, Sara (Rosalyn Landor) and Georgie (Marc Granger), who have travelled from the year 1818 looking for help: their Uncle Bertie's wicked mother-in-law, Mrs. Wickens (Diana Dors) is trying to kill the children so that their inheritance will go to Bertie (James Villiers) and his child-like bride Anabella (Madeline Smith), and they need Lucy and Jamie to help them thwart the evil woman's plan.

The Amazing Mr. Blunden is best seen when young, when paradoxical plot problems are of little consequence. As a kid, I found the film charming and thoroughly entertaining. Nowadays, I can see that the storyline is far from perfect. For example, Sara and Georgie are found buried in the graveyard, having died as children in 1818, yet Sara is the great-great grandmother of Lucy and Jamie. How could this possibly be? Also, the potion that sends Sara and Georgie into the future sends Lucy and Jamie into the past, with no explanation as to why. However, even with these time-twisting issues, the film is a lot of fun, with memorable performances from all involved and confident direction by Lionel Jeffries.

7/10, with an extra point added for gorgeous, buxom Hammer babe Madeline Smith.

Proto Others

[Paul Sands · 14 February 2003]

The very first time I saw The Others my mind rushed immediately back to this gem...very much a similar premise, people from different periods of time appear to each other as ghosts. It's a nice little film. It's long been my wife's favourite, and its available on DVD from Feb 24, 2003 in the UK which is ooh so cool :)

An overlooked British Gem...

[nicklawton-1 · 7/10 · 6 October 2006]

Like many films made by the British film industry at it's nadir in the 1970s, the Amazing Mr Blunden could be overlooked, but those willing to make the effort will find a gem. There's the wonderfully English setting of the film, mixing the nostalgia of a Georgian England of Mr Blunden and Langley Park, with the Edwardianism of Jamie and Lucy's world. Mixed with good background music and wonderful setting amongst a stately home and a traditional village and the film is playing to all the traditional strengths of British film and drama. Adults will perhaps prefer these aspects to the plot, but children will enjoy the 'good vs. evil' aspect of the children's fight to save the lives of Georgie and Sara against Mrs Wickens (played excellently by Diana Dors who steals the film). Sadly, the film misses much 'fun' that could be made out of the stark characters of Mr and Mrs Wickens and the rest of the cast (particularly the dandy-ish uncle played by James Villiers). There's also one cringe-worthy moment too - when all the actors and actress wave goodbye at the end. They don't make things that this anymore....

Delightful ghost story

[Leofwine_draca · 7/10 · 25 December 2013]

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.

Excellent Family Feel-Good Movie!

[brickmeyer · 10/10 · 20 August 2005]

This movie worried me at first with a bit of a slow start, but it quickly changed into a wonderfully imaginative fairy tale. The characters are very good and the acting feels the period. Grahm Crowden from the British Sitcom "Waiting for God" does a very good job as well.

Everyone should give this one a try.

The concept is very intriguing and holds your interest well. I really loved the idea surrounding the ghosts and how they got where they were. The story is really one that I would love to share with my whole family.

This one feels like a Dickens Narrative due to the time period it is set in, which adds to the overall feel and believability.

charming

[kevin c · 7/10 · 31 May 2020]

Movie night with Gertie.

Much loved and delivers. You can see the cast are really enjoying themselves. But it's not The Railway Children.

GREW UP ON

[darwiniantheory · 10/10 · 4 February 2002]

Saw this film when I was a child, and it still gives me the same lil shudders and I STILL giggle in the right places... its a good old story with the sweetest ending EVER.

It really encapsulates the film genre of the 1970's and the old way of telling ghost stories which seems to have been lost in modern films.

This film is good for the whole family and actually deals with death and the afterlife in a manner that makes you talk about it afterwards

A fun film for young and old

[CabbageCustard · 7/10 · 30 December 2019]

Once you get past the ridiculously improbable plot, there is a lot to like about The Amazing Mr Blunden. It displays a wicked sense of humor at times and features some delicious acting by some icons of British cinema including a star turn by Diana Dors as the vile Mrs Wickens. Just listening to some of these people speaking their lines is a treat. Discerning adults will get a lot of enjoyment from this movie. Their children will too, but on a different level. They will be on the edge of their seats as our heroes, Jamie and Lucy, travel backwards in time - yes, I kid you not - to try and rescue two orphans (what else?) from the machinations of their hissably evil housekeeper and the indifference of the adults who should be looking out for them. There are a few holes in the plot and the acting of the younger cast members is adequate at best. Also, the character of Lucy seems to exist primarily to act helpless, panicky and get in the way of other characters. These minor flaws are easily ignored though and once you do so you will find yourself enjoying this movie immensely.

Very Disappointing

[richievee · 3/10 · 15 May 2012]

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.

Very good fantasy film.

[Marta · 10/10 · 28 December 1998]

A very good family film; its only flaw is that it's a bit too long. The film takes place in England, in approximately 1916. A widow and her three children are left destitute on the husband's death. The mysterious Mr. Blunden shows up and offers the mother a caretaker's position at an old country mansion which was partially destroyed by a great fire decades ago. The family goes to live in a small cottage on the estate. The two oldest children, Lucy and Jamie, are drawn into the unsolved mystery that surrounds the old fire. They find out that the two heirs to the estate, a boy and girl, were killed in the fire, but it might have been murder and not an accident. The film takes a fanciful twist at this juncture, sending Lucy and Jamie back in time to save the two orphaned kids. Will they succeed? And what will it mean to their own lives if they do? What does Mr. Blunden have to do with all this and why does he need Lucy and Jamie's help? I can only say, rent the movie and find out. It has a nice late Victorian air to it, and is steeped in atmosphere. Older kids and adults will enjoy it; my entire family loves this movie.

The Amazing Mr. Blunden

[CinemaSerf · 7/10 · 28 May 2023]

Laurence Naismith is a solicitor who visits a family with an offer for them to help manage a ramshackle country house. Once they arrive, the children start to see the ghostly apparitions of two other children and soon we discover that they were the children of the house before a fire reduced it to it's present state. Aided by a magic potion - together, the four of them piece together what actually happened on that fateful night, and to try and rewrite history. This is a superb, gentle, family drama; the 4 children deliver strong and engaging performances and there are some lovely touches from Graham Crowden as "Mr. Clutterbuck" and Diana Dors as the evil "Mrs. Wickens". Written and directed by Lionel Jeffries, this is the kind of family drama we just don't make nowadays.

Entertaining family ghost movie directed by Lionel Jeffries, based on the novel The Ghosts by Antonia Barber.

[mwilson1976 · 5/10 · 26 December 2019]

Lionel Jeffries (The Railway Children) directs this enjoyable supernatural fantasy movie. It's a nostalgic family classic in which the mysterious but kindly solicitor Mr Blunden visits Mrs Allen and her young children, offering her the position of caretaker at a derelict country mansion. More surprises are in store when the children encounter the ghosts of two former young residents and find themselves transported back in time to help their new friends right a 100-year-old wrong. film. Spike Milligan, Gert Fröbe, Gene Wilder, David Niven, Michael Gough, David Tomlinson, Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Donald Pleasence and Robert Helpmann were all considered for the role of Mr. Blunden before the role went to Laurence Naismith. Diana Dors plays the wicked housekeeper Mrs. Wickens, who along with her disturbed husband is plotting to kill the children to get her hands on an inheritance. Pretty much unrecognisable from her normal blonde bombshell image she's gross, warty and every young child's nightmare. The film was shot at Pinewood Studios in 1971 with location filming around the village and church at Hedgerley. The fire-ravaged derelict stately home was in fact Heatherden Hall, on the estate of which the studios are located and which at that time served as administration offices for the production facilities. It's based on a 1969 novel by Antonia Barber entitled The Ghosts, which was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal.

We Three Kings of Orient Are

[kryan-1 · 9 May 2001]

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!

An entertaining Dickensian ghost story from '72

[mark-rojinsky · 7/10 · 2 June 2022]

The early-'70s were pioneering years and this UK children's film adapted by Lionel Jeffries in 1972 from Antonia Barber's novel, The Ghosts records the pneuma and 'feel' of the period so well. It refers to trauma, redemption,, time travel and the spirit world. Diana Dors as a money-grubbing, bonnet-wearing Regency-Era pub landlady with facial moles, Mrs Wickens is remarkably good as is David Lodge who plays her punch-drunk husband, while the shadowy scenes in Camden Town are evocative. 1972 was also the year, The Nightcomers an adult-themed ghost story was released which was directed by Michael Winner.

Sweet but not overly memorable children's ghost story

[movie-reviews-uk · 7/10 · 16 November 2023]

It's no word of a lie to say that I'd never heard of "The Amazing Mr. Blunden" before now but then again it did hit the silver screen when I was in nappies. As it happens I probably would have enjoyed its simple sentimentality just a few years later but that was long before VCRs became a consumer must-have.

Still the film is available to stream and delivers on its many positive attributes if you're in the right mood. For a start the story may be naive but it is also straightforward and the central child actors carry the dialogue well enough. They don't have to do a great deal mind.

In contrast the adult actors generally take to their characters with some gusto. Diana Dors is remarkably effective as the evil, bullying mother-in-law and quite unrecognisable under her makeup. Her demented husband David Lodge is also genuinely scary and together they add a real darkness to the tale.

That said the story doesn't have much heft and apart from the central twist (which is inventive) it mostly trundles along in a quite predictable arc. Still there's nothing wrong with seeing the baddies get their comeuppance while goodness is rewarded. A solid watch if you have young, but not too young, children.

Classic British family film that leaves a lasting impression

[canndyman · 10/10 · 17 October 2017]

I first saw this film at the cinema in 1972, and thought at the time it was the best film I'd ever seen - in fact I watched it twice that day! Now, all these years later it's still one of my all-time favorites.

Directed by Lionel Jeffries as a follow-up to his very successful 'Railway Children' movie 2 years' before, it's also a charming period piece set in the Edwardian era, but this time with very a clever plot concerning time travel and ghosts.

His direction is first-class, despite obvious budget restrictions, and it seems a pity this movie wasn't so well-received at the box-office as his previous film, as I think it's even better. Once again the casting and performances are perfect too.

There is excellent brooding atmosphere about the derelict mansion the family are mysteriously hired to caretake by the Amazing Mr Blunden... he has placed them there in order to right a terrible wrong of 100 years' past. The suspense builds up to an exciting climax with the terrible fire of 100 years before played out again - and we are left to wonder if history really has been changed this time.

The music score is fantastic too - one of the best ever in my view, and one of the film's many highlights is the unforgettable performance of Diana Dors as the awful and scary hag-like housekeeper Mrs Wickens.

This is simply an excellent family film that leaves a lasting impression. I showed it to my son when he was 7, and he was absolutely captivated by it - just as I had been in the cinema all those years ago. He actually calls it 'The Ghost Children' - a title that I feel would have served the film better, and perhaps would have maybe drawn attention more to its supernatural elements.

Somewhat, and rather sadly, forgotten

[adamscastlevania2 · 6/10 · 10 April 2015]

(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.

This is a Wonderful Fantasy Movie that the Entire Family can Enjoy!!

[kjr2374 · 10/10 · 26 November 2005]

This movie is a classic fantasy film about two children who travel back in time to save the lives of two children who died in a fire 100 years ago. Two siblings, Lucy and Jamie, get the shock of their lives when they encounter the ghosts of two children in the garden of the home there mother is overseeing. Sara and Georgie are two young ghosts that died in a fire at the house nearly 100 years ago. They desperately need help and cannot find it in their own time so they find a recipe that enables them to travel back in time. They ask Lucy and Jamie to make the potion in order to travel to their time to help save their lives. This movie is also nice because it has an interesting plot twist at the end and it is also one of the few movies in which you get to see Diana Dors act instead of just look nice. It is a thrilling movie but out of print and hard to find. I highly recommend it.

The ghosts of migraines past.

[mark.waltz · 3/10 · 13 September 2017]

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".

Childhood movie

[margy-06701 · 9/10 · 22 January 2019]

This movie takes me back to my childhood, remembering how I used to sit in front of the tv and watch it.

I recently watched it in dvd and I live it just as much as I did then.

It's a child's ghost story, and all ages will love this movie. Shame they don't make movies like this now.

There is a woman that has her breasts showing for absolutely no reason

[mwireman · 1/10 · 12 April 2022]

It would be a good movie if they didn't have a woman have most of her breasts exposed for absolutely no reason. It is really sad that they thought this would add to the plot.

The absolute best.

[maximovlE · 10/10 · 4 January 2020]

Is, and always will be, my favourite movie of all time. I can't tell you why, it just is. Worth a watch, time and time again.

Timely rescue

[Lejink · 8/10 · 15 May 2014]

A fondly remembered film from my youth and one I've re-visited more than once since, it still charms me today. A delightful and thrilling fantasy, it plays almost as well to adults as to its no doubt target audience of children.

The Dickensian-styled story is well-wrought with a nice blend of mystery, enchantment and adventure throughout. Sympathetically and winningly directed by British character actor Lionel Jeffries who gives himself a brief expository scene too, it's a perfect example of family entertainment.

All the principal characters are well-played, especially Laurence Naismith as the twinkle eyed title character, out to right wrongs from a hundred years before and Diana Dors as an over-the-top scheming harridan figure whose plans the amazing Mr B thwarts with the help of two young children from the future. All the child-actors act very well and for the most part avoid the usual wooden-ness in similar portrayals.

I won't give away any of the ingenious plot but it all resolves and revolves around a race to save a young heir and his sister from being murdered in a deliberately-set house fire in a plot devised by Dors and acted upon by her simpleton husband. In fact the film just tails off a little after its fiery climax, although it redeems itself with a happy ending and an unusual but warm-hearted end-credit sequence wholly in keeping with what has gone before. There's a fine understated score by Elmer Berstein too.

It probably helps that this film evokes my happy child-hood but watching it again forty years on, I'm pleased to say I enjoyed it just as much as I did in a Glasgow flea-pit in 1973.