Antonia Barber-The Amazing Mr Blunden

[number 6]

My Niece left a box of books with me & asked if I could sort it out, ready for collection by a charity shop worker. I had nothing better to do, So I agreed. Nothing caught my attention until the very last book in the box. There, half hidden by a old paper bag, Was a book I've not read since I were a teenager. It was 'The Amazing Mr Blundon'! I immediately settled down for a good old read. A couple of chapters in, the doorbell rang. It was the charity shop worker. Needless to say, he took the box.... Minus one book! That is safely hidden away till I get the chance to continue reading it. Loved the film version as well, starring Diana Dors & Lynn Frederick. Bliss!

[Eddie Muir]

I also loved the 1972 film version of The Amazing Mr Blunden, Number 6, but I've not read the book by Antonia Barber. I've just looked it up on the Amazon website and it is very expensive - even second hand copies - and so you were very lucky to have been given a copy by your niece. Now you've alerted me to it, I shall keep my eyes peeled for a copy in my local charity shops and second hand bookshops.

[Wayne Pyer]

This was my favourite childhood films. Magnificent. When I read the book though, if my memory serves me correct, it was titled 'The Ghosts'. I think they changed to re print at the time of release, so you might pick up an older copy Eddie, for cheaper. Just a thought.

[Eddie Muir]

Thanks for this very useful information, Wayne. Much appreciated.

[pete9012S]

The film version was directed by Lionel Jeffries,who as many will know, also directed the classic 1970 version of 'The Railway Children.'

[Eddie Muir]

The great Lionel Jeffries (1926-2010). He also directed The Water Babies in 1978, Pete.

An interesting piece of trivia:

In Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968), Lionel Jeffries played Dick Van Dyke's father. Lionel was actually six months younger than Dick Van Dyke.

[Julie2owlsdene]

Can't remember much about the film Mr. Blunden. Loved Chitty Chitty though. And of course Dick Van Dyke has always been one of my favourites. He does well even today, with his acting and dancing. His son is not bad looking either!!

[Eddie Muir]

I also like Dick Van Dyke, Julie. He still looks great and he'll be 88 this year!

[number 6]

@Eddie: I wasn't exactly given the book.... I 'accidentally' kept it! It will find it's way to the charity shop once I've read it...honest, Gov! The copy I've got is a paperback edition dated 1972. It's a bit tatty & much loved, so I doubt whether it's got any real value.

@ Wayne: I didn't know the original title of the book was ' The Ghosts'. As you say, it was changed for the sake of the film. It was one of my fav films as well. They don't make em like that anymore!

[Eddie Muir]

Eddie: I wasn't exactly given the book.... I 'accidentally' kept it! It will find it's way to the charity shop once I've read it...honest, Gov! The copy I've got is a paperback edition dated 1972. It's a bit tatty & much loved, so I doubt whether it's got any real value.

I do realise that, number 6, but it's nice to have the book to read before handing it over to the charity shop. Thanks again for bringing it to my attention. I shall be keeping a sharp lookout for a copy in the coming days.

[Wayne Pyer]

I also loved the 1972 film version of The Amazing Mr Blunden, Number 6, but I've not read the book by Antonia Barber.

Just to let you know Eddie, the film is on BBC2 next wednesday afternoon(29th).

[Eddie Muir]

Thank you for letting me know, Wayne. I shall make a point of recording it.

[number 6]

Oh goody! Haven't seen the film for years! Thanks for the info Wayne.

[Eddie Muir]

I have just set my new YouView box to record it. Thanks again, Wayne.

[Eddie Muir]

Chick and I watched the film on Wednesday evening and thoroughly enjoyed it. Loved the parts played by Diana Dors and Madeline Smith.