The Amazing Quest of Ernest Bliss

CinemaSerf

This certainly had the potential to be a good film, but somehow it is all just a little too sterile. Cary Grant ("Bliss') is engaging enough as the millionaire who is feeling a bit under the weather. Advised to visit a slightly maverick doctor "Sir James Alroyd" (Peter Gawthorne), he is told the best remedy is for him to actually do some hard work for a year - get his body and brain away from his decadent lifestyle. So, off we go on a series of escapades during which he starts to discover just how difficult it is for him to survive, let alone thrive, in these newly hostile environments. Sadly, though - it's just got no oomph. What could have been funny and entertaining scenarios seem to lack something. Grant is fine, but Mary Brian ("Frances") adds little, indeed she is quite annoying at times and the story is just somewhat undercooked. There are moments of humour, though and there is a modicum of chemistry between the two at the top of the bill, but it's all just a touch underwhelming.