The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom

The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom is an offbeat 1968 classic that features big-time stars like Shirley MacLaine, Richard Attenborough, and James Booth. A product of the 60s, the film is built around unconventional themes, portraying domesticity through an entirely unique lens that thoroughly entertains and slightly baffles its audience.

At the center of the film is Harriet Blossom, unforgettably brought to life by the dynamic Shirley MacLaine. Harriet is the carefree, expressive, and somewhat eccentric wife of Robert Blossom, played by Richard Attenborough. Robert is a highly successful brassiere manufacturer, who is nevertheless entirely engrossed in his work.

An initial glance might peg the Blossoms as just another conventional suburban couple, but the movie promptly reveals a wildly uncommon twist. Unraveling the facade of a perfect marriage and suburban life, the movie depicts how the bubbly Harriet Blossom, manages to keep her lover, Ambrose Tuttle, played by James Booth, concealed in the attic for quite some time without her husband's knowledge.

Ambrose, a charming and talented craftsman, is not the idle sort. As you might expect, he puts his talents to good use. Over time, the attic gradually transforms from a dingy, desolate place into a vivid, lively space – a veritable wonderland, encompassing a greenhouse and even a workshop. It's this environment that fosters and shields their relationship from the outside world.

The film possesses an almost surrealistic sense, imaginatively blending humor with mild eroticism. The screenplay takes the typically taboo concept of infidelity, turning it into a buoyant and avant-garde exploration. The movie in no way promotes this concept but paints it with an absurdist palette.

Shirley MacLaine, who was a principal reason for the film's positive reception, is outstanding as Harriet Blossom. Her infectious joie de vivre saturates the film and demonstrates her exceptional ability to capture and portray a character's essence. She delivers a flamboyant performance as an extraordinary housewife leading an uncommon double life.

Flanked by Richard Attenborough, the film provides a stark contrast between the two characters. Where Harriet is vivacious and radiant, Robert is dull and oblivious. Attenborough expertly plays the brassiere manufacturer who is too engrossed in his work to notice the peculiarity in his home. His portrayal of the daydreaming businessman is understated yet wonderfully humorous.

James Booth's Ambrose offers a charismatic male lead, perfecting the role of the ingenious lover to the hilt. Whatever your perspective, his portrayal of Ambrose is sure to elicit a reaction, whether it's surprised admiration or utter disbelief!

The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom is a captivating mixture of humor and fantasy, its 1960s mod aesthetics matching marvelously with its slightly bewildering plot. Its innovative storyline, combined with sterling performances, sets it apart as a peculiar snapshot of 1960s British cinema.

The film's direction by Joe McGrath is idiosyncratic and ambitious, favoring vibrant visuals and charming character interactions. The cinematography creates an almost fairytale-like ambiance that matches its whimsicality, and Quincy Jones complements this approach with a frothy, upbeat score.

It’s also worth mentioning the film’s costumes, which turn out to be an essential part of the film’s enjoyment. The flamboyant clothing and Sixties décor indeed appear ever charming and represent a time capsule of the era with its exuberant production design and color scheme.

In conclusion, The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom is a unique film that may seem peculiar to some; its plot is truly a break from the norm. Yet, the incredible performances by the lead cast and the creative approach to storytelling make it a must-watch film for those who appreciate eccentric and offbeat cinema. With its celebration of nonconformity, it has achieved a cult status and remains a symbol of the increasingly experimental mood of late 1960s British cinema.