The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom is a 1968 British comedy film directed by Joseph McGrath. The screenplay by Alec Coppel and Denis Norden was adapted from a play by Coppel that was based on a short story by Josef Shaftel, who served as the film's producer.
Plot synopsis
Robert Blossom is a workaholic brassiere manufacturer. When his wife Harriet's sewing machine breaks down, he sends his bumbling employee Ambrose Tuttle to repair it. Mrs. Blossom seduces him, then hides him in the attic, instructing him to sneak out in the middle of the night. Ambrose, however, is enchanted by the woman and decides to settle in to serve as her secret paramour. When he's reported missing, Det. Sgt. Dylan from Scotland Yard is assigned to the case, one he doggedly pursues for years. The mysterious noises Robert frequently hears overhead finally lead to his nervous breakdown, but Ambrose saves the day by passing along stock tips that turn his employer into a millionaire. The grateful Mr. Blossom not only allows Ambrose to remain with his wife, but presents the couple with his factory as a wedding present.
Production notes
Assheton Gorton served as production designer for the film.
Location scenes were filmed in Bloomsbury, at the National Film Theatre in the South Bank Centre, and at Alexandra Palace in London. Interiors were filmed at the Twickenham Film Studios in Middlesex.
The soundtrack includes the songs "The Way That I Live" performed by Jack Jones and "Fall in Love" performed by the New Vaudeville Band.
Frank Thornton, Barry Humphries, and John Cleese make brief appearances in the film.
Principal cast
- Shirley MacLaine ..... Harriet Blossom
- Richard Attenborough ..... Robert Blossom
- James Booth ..... Ambrose Tuttle
- Freddie Jones ... Det. Sgt. Dylan
- Bob Monkhouse ..... Dr. Taylor
- Patricia Routledge ..... Miss Reece
