This inter-war comedy-drama is centred on Ernest Bliss; he is a millionaire but still isn't happy. A friend advises him to see Sir James Aldroyd, a Harley Street consultant. Sir James tells Bliss that the problem boredom; he has so much money he doesn't need to do anything. The two end up making a bet; Bliss must live for a year without touching his financial reserves; if he loses he must pat £50,000, if he wins he gets an apology. He leaves his expensive flat in the hands of his butler the catches a tube to the East End with only five pounds in his wallet. He struggles to get a job but eventually gets one at a struggling business but after using some of his own money to help the company he moves on so he can't be seen as benefitting from his wealth. He later gets a job working as a chauffeur but keeps in touch with the secretary from his former job. They develop a relationship but will she settle down with a man she thinks is almost penniless?The story is simple enough but works nicely. The protagonist may be rich but the message to viewers, few of whom could aspire to his wealth, is that money doesn't buy happiness; that it is better to be poor and happy then rich and bored... not too subtle but not as patronising as it could be. Gary Grant does a fine job as Bliss and Mary Brian is likeable as his romantic interest, Frances. There are a couple of entertaining if not entirely necessary subplots; one involving a pair of crooks who think Bliss is merely somebody who looks like him and try to recruit him to rob himself and second involving an employee who is trying to take advantage of Frances. Overall this isn't a classic but it is fun enough, especially if you are a fan of Cary Grant or 1930s British cinema.These comments are based on watching the shortened version of the film; I must say it did feel a bit rushed at times so it would be interesting to compare it to the full length version.

The Amazing Adventure is a movie that is best enjoyed by baby boomers and those who are fans of Cary Grant. I found the whole movie theme rather trite and boring. The acting in the movie was OK. I was glad that the movie was short and to the point. Once the movie is over, it is easily and quickly forgotten. By the time I saw the movie, the quality of the film was grainy and lacked sharpness for a black and white film. This movie is definitely a rainy day movie or a late night movie. Cary Grant is the movie. Without him, the movie would have been a total bore. Grant's lively personality is strong enough to carry the film. That is why the lead stars get the big bucks because they are the movie. Popcorn all around here, maybe a glass of wine or some hot tea.

A novel written by E.Phillip Oppenheim and directed by Alfred Zeisler became the basis of this funny, quirky movie which has been redone many times. The book was entitled 'The Amazing Adventure of Ernest Bliss' and appeared on the silver screen as " The Amazing Adventure. " The simple story is that of a gentleman name of Ernest Bliss (Cary Grant) who due to his multi Millionaire status finds himself completely bored with his life. Unable to understand why, seeks the advice of Sir James Alroyd (Peter Gawthorne) a good friend and prominent doctor. The physician explains that Bliss is bored because he has money and too much leisure time on his hands. Betting Bliss cannot live without his bankroll, challenges him to try and live without it for one whole year. A challenge Bliss accepts for 50,000 pounds. Thus with the bet in hand, the life of poverty is hard and becomes extremely difficult as the months begin to add up. This film is one of the first movies made in 1936 by Grant and soon establishes him as a great Thespian. Mary Brian plays Frances Clayton as his love's interest. The movie also is difficult in several other ways, the hardest of which is, it's in Black and White and of poor screen quality. However if you're a Cary Grant fan which I am, you'll find it amusing enough to watch it through. Recommended to all his fans. ****

This is a delightful little film. Something of a forgotten gem.It lasts only just over an hour. But manages to pack a lot into that hour. It's all perfectly paced, though. It never seems hurried. Cary Grant is just wonderful as the rich but bored Ernest Bliss who goes slumming it on the streets of 1930's London and finds something very special out there. There isn't a dull scene in the film. Nothing is wasted in the effort to entertain. And it all works very well. This is a taster of what was to come from Cary Grant and he is just superb here. He and Mary Brian have excellent chemistry together. This is definitely a little movie worth seeing.