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

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.

I loved this film as a kid - aside from the cheesy " Goodbye, hope you enjoyed it" from the actors, coming out of character at the end of the movie ( very much a Lionel Jeffries signature - also did it in "The Railway Children") - which I HATED (!) this movie still holds the same magic for me now as it did when I first saw it.The premise has been described many times before but I will just add the fact that all the atmospheric ingredients are there - the mist on the open lawns, the cawing of the crows, the suitably haunted looking old ruin and a musical score that really captures every emotion that it needs to in the wonderful story telling. Laurence Naismith is every inch the "actor", whose casting in this role was genius. Lynn Frederick, whose troubled life was ultimately cut short, was a little miscast as Lucy - already 18 and obviously a woman, it was difficult to see her as a little girl. However, Rosalyn Landor was perfect as, what turns out to be, Lucy's Great Grandmother.David Lodge and Dianna Dors were superb in their roles as Mr and Mrs Wickens although James Villiers looked a smidgen uncomfortable as the 1816 children's wicked uncle.However, it is the story and the atmosphere that Jeffrie's evokes in this movie along with the wonderful score. I have just ordered this again on DVD as it is many years since I last saw it and I cannot wait. It really is a childhood favourite and I am looking forward to the nostalgia buzz that it will, undoubtedly evoke.

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.