Today’s quick review: The Amazing Adventure. Sick of his life of luxury, Ernest Bliss (Cary Grant) makes a bet with his doctor (Peter Gawthorne) that he can make it a full year without touching his fortune. Ernest sets out to find an honest job and ends up selling stoves for Mr. Masters (John Turnbull), a struggling businessman. The work is hard, but one thing makes it worthwhile: his relationship with Frances Clayton (Mary Brian), Masters’ secretary.
The Amazing Adventure is a romantic comedy about a millionaire who gives up his fortune in favor of a life of honest work. Ernest faces the challenge of finding a job, the difficulty of keeping it, and the unexpected joys of connecting with other people. The Amazing Adventure is a tidy little movie with a promising setup and a capable lead in Cary Grant. However, the limited scope of its story keeps it from living up to its full potential.
The Amazing Adventure has the setup for an interesting character arc, but its follow-through is lacking. The main issue is that Ernest doesn’t grow as a person nearly as much as the story seems to imply. From the beginning, he’s an honest man who’s grateful for any lucky breaks he gets. All that really changes is how much money he has to work with. Unfortunately, this undercuts the drama of the story; Ernest never seems to suffer for his principles.
The Amazing Adventure still does a decent job of going through the motions. The movie gives Ernest a chance to use his ingenuity, to help the people around him, to develop a real relationship with Frances, and to deal with a few unusual consequences of his bet. Cary Grant is his likable, even-keeled self, and although there isn’t very much overt comedy, the movie makes for a pleasant watch. It just doesn’t have that much to say.
The Amazing Adventure is a decent pick if you’re a fan of the classics and are looking for something quick. The story isn’t as well-developed as some of the other movies from the era, but Cary Grant is a reliable draw, and there’s just enough going on to keep a willing viewer entertained. But those who are looking to be impressed would be better off trying something else. The Amazing Adventure is neither as insightful nor as moving as it could be.
For a romantic comedy starring Cary Grant in another high-society role, try The Philadelphia Story. For a classic rags-to-riches comedy with better character work, try My Man Godfrey. For a comedy about a wealthy man fallen on hard times, try Trading Places.
6.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for a decent story without much meat on its bones.