12/08/2026
Fascinating introduction from Charles Drazin to a rare screening of The Amazing Quest of Ernest Bliss (1936), one of Cary Grant's earliest independent films after leaving his Paramount contract, co-starring Mary Brian. The only British-initiated production of his career.
Screened from a unique 35mm print, this 77-minute version is much closer to the original UK release (84 mins) than the heavily cut 63-minute US version. Jo Botting, curator at the BFI National Archive and programmer of *Projecting the Archive*, introduced the print, noting its poor condition, sound issues and damaged joins, but stressing its importance as the only known surviving print of the longer version.
The film has a remarkable production history. One of only two films made by the short-lived British company Garrett-Klement, it was produced by Robert Garrett, whose own life closely echoed that of Ernest Bliss: a wealthy heir prescribed a year of work to cure his ennui. Drazin focused on Garrett's later career, including his work at Bletchley Park during WWII and the founding of Film Finances, the pioneering completion-guarantee company that helped fuel the postwar revival of independent British filmmaking.
One intriguing aspect left unexplored was Cary Grant's possible reason for taking the role. According to Mark Glancy's biography, Grant may have welcomed the chance to be closer to his ailing father in Britain, though filming commitments meant he was unable to be at his father's bedside when he died.
Wonderful to learn more about the film's history and experience the print, the imperfections of which only increased the viewing pleasure! Thank you to Jo and all at BFI Southbank for screening this, to Charles for providing context in his intro and for giving a shout out to the festival and letting me hand out our flyers at the end!
BritishCinema
