Projecting the Archive

The Amazing Quest of Ernest Bliss (aka The Amazing Adventure)

+ intro by Charles Drazin, writer and film historian

In a rare British film appearance, Cary Grant is typically charismatic as a disaffected millionaire searching for meaning.

  • Director

    Alfred Zeisler

  • With

    Cary Grant, Mary Brian, Henry Kendall, Leon M. Lion

  • UK 1936. 77min

  • 35mm

  • Certificate

    U

  • A BFI National Archive print

Ernest Bliss is rich but miserable. His doctor diagnoses an excess of self-indulgence and prescribes a dose of hard work to sharpen his zest for life. Through his pursuit of happiness, Ernest finds romance and a social conscience. The role of Bliss was tailor-made for Grant’s suave but bluff screen persona, while Hollywood import Mary Brian is a worthy co-star, with excellent support from an ensemble of solid British talent. This BFI National Archive print runs close to the original British release, while all other copies currently available are of the 62-minute American-release cut.

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