Peter Blackmore scripted this weak whimsical fantasy, a Technicolor sequel to 1948's black-and-white "Miranda" (which had been based upon Blackmore's play). Glynis Johns returns as the romantic-minded mermaid who swims in the waters off Cornwall; she chances to meet her human twin, a distant relative and school-mistress who is about to be married to a stuffy engineer. Blackmore clearly relishes the chance to open up his scenario and throw in some wild bits of humor--and Johns in a dual role is certainly an inspired idea--but most of the warmth from the first film is missing. Miranda's true identity is discovered by a jealous female, who hopes to exploit the siren on-stage during a charity benefit (!), while Caroline, Miranda's twin, has to rush home from a biking trip to save the mermaid from catastrophe. Faintly enjoyable and yet too much of a good thing, what with corny one-liners and Margaret Rutherford overacting like mad in a reprisal of her role as Miranda's eccentric nurse and confidante. Blackmore and director Ralph Thomas raise a big laugh or two, but their chaotic finale is a complete muck-up, and the film's editing and continuity are disappointing. ** from ****

More Glynis Johns! Continuing her role as Miranda, Glynis Johns is the same flirtatious mermaid who is simply mad about men. This time around, we first see Glynis swimming and winning a swimming contest. But, wait a minute! She's got legs and people are calling her Caroline, and not Miranda. It dawns on the viewer, when Caroline is planning on going on vacation to a remote village by the seashore, that Caroline is going to meet Miranda and that Ms. Johns is going to play two parts. Those involved in making this picture must have realized the only way to outdo the first film was to have a double dose of Glynis! And, it turns out they're related. Which of course explains why they look so much alike. For those that liked "Miranda", they'll enjoy Miranda's escapades in this outing. Others may find it too silly, but Glynis exudes too much energy and charm for anyone to be really complaining about anything wrong with this film. Of course, as you expect, Miranda goes on land, posing as the earthbound Glynis(who has a fiancé) and all the while toys with several men's affections, and is even forward to a clerk in a jewelry store, and then the fiancé shows up and things get sticky.There's even another mermaid, who gets into trouble a lot and is always giggling. Margaret Rutherford is on hand to aid Miranda in her existence on land. But, it does feel like too much time is spent on Margaret and the other mermaid in their skirmishes!!One of her love interests is Donald Sinden, who was Grace Kelly's husband in "Mogambo," whose looks were overlooked due to the presence of Gable. But here Sinden is shown to good effect.And, Miss Johns gets a chance to show off her lovely voice in singing a song in tribute to men. So, forget everything and dive in! More Glynis Johns is something to celebrate!

For a movie about a mermaid, the special effects are quite basic. All to the better though, really, since it allows the writers to concentrate on their spiffy, silly dialog. The viewer is never made to feel too uncomfortable over the possibility that the mermaid will get caught in her disguise. Any such threatening moments would be pointlessly manipulative of the audience anyway, this being an obvious fantasy flick, so why not just have a good time, right? Where the movie fails to ignite is in the dated chick-flickian rather-fall-in-love-with-a-good-looking-guy drill. It's monochromatic and not terribly involving (so the ending's a bit ho-hum), but it does make way for good, direct, innocent -- and occasionally spicy -- remarks from the mermaid. Watch for great facial expressions from Margaret Rutherford, the nurse, and a good physical workout for the old gal as well!

'Mad About Men' is every bit as good as 'Miranda', although it doesn't pick up the pace until at least a third in. Caroline Trewella has gone to stay at her Cornish cottage for a few days when she meets her distant cousin, Miranda. Miranda wants to go back on land, so Caroline agrees to let her take her place whilst she goes out cycling with a friend. And the first thing Miranda does is to decide that Caroline needs a better fiancee!The colour looks a bit garish on Glynis Johns but Anne Crawford and Donald Sinden look lovely. Dora Bryan is also hilarious as Miranda's annoying little companion, who upsets the applecart on every possible occasion. The basics are the same as in 'Miranda' although the ending is definitely a little neater. 9/10