The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom

The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom

Year: 1968

Runtime: 93 mins

Language: English

Director: Joseph McGrath

Comedy

Harriet Blossom, bored with her husband Robert—a businessman who prefers evenings at his bra factory—finds herself alone when her sewing machine breaks. Robert sends the repairman, Ambrose, who instantly ignites Harriet’s desire. She lures him to the attic for a secret encounter, and their affair deepens into a years‑long liaison hidden in plain sight of Robert.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom (1968)

Trace every key event in The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom (1968) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Robert Blossom's dual life: factory boss and would-be musician

Robert Blossom runs a brassiere manufacturing business with relentless dedication, yet he secretly conducts imaginary orchestras in his home, nurturing a deep passion for music. His workaholic routine keeps him from fully pursuing his artistic dream. The tension between duty and longing sets the stage for the family's complicated dynamics.

Robert's home
2

Harriet befriends the repairman who stirs old emotions

Harriet, a romantic-minded painter, is touched by Ambrose Tuttle's down-on-his-luck backstory when he repairs the broken sewing machine. She feels a powerful, immediate connection and begins to fall for him. Ambrose, meanwhile, is drawn into the Blossom home and the promise of affection.

Harriet's home
3

Harriet and Ambrose's affair ignites

Harriet and Ambrose become lovers, an affair dramatized by a fantasy sequence where Ambrose appears as a heroic rescuer. The chemistry grows as Harriet experiences a surge of romance she has long yearned for. The relationship introduces tension with Robert when he returns.

Harriet's home
4

Ambrose hidden in the attic

When Robert arrives home unexpectedly, Harriet hides Ambrose in the attic and tells him to leave in the middle of the night. Ambrose becomes Harriet's secret paramour, and the two begin a day-to-day affair away from prying eyes. Harriet also begins to educate Ambrose privately, turning the attic into a makeshift living space.

Harriet's home attic
5

Ambrose embraces his role and prepares a future

Ambrose, inspired by Teach Yourself books provided by Harriet, expands his plans to influence the household and remain in Harriet's life. He grows to care for both Harriet and Robert, feeling guilty for the emotional turmoil he has caused. The attic-based arrangement becomes a semi-permanent feature within the home.

Attic and family home
6

Ambrose is reported missing; Detective Dylan arrives

Ambrose is reported missing, and Detective Sergeant Dylan from Scotland Yard is assigned to the case. His inquiries quickly cast suspicion on Harriet and her household. Harriet denies Ambrose's presence, and Dylan catches her near-misses, including a disguise when Ambrose appears as 'Juan' and Harriet calls him her half-brother.

Blossom home
7

Dylan’s suspicions deepen into murder theories

Dylan grows convinced Harriet is having an affair with her supposed half-brother and that 'Juan' helped her commit murder. He continues to press, hoping to trap Harriet in a falsehood. The investigation strains the family as the attic tale remains unresolved.

Blossom home
8

Robert unravels while attic noises persist

Robert hears unsettling noises from the attic and suspects someone is living there, only to be convinced by Harriet that it is his imagination. Harriet's manipulation keeps him from confronting the truth. His grip on reality loosens as the mystery deepens.

Blossom home
9

Ambrose quietly helps Robert grow wealth

Ambrose uses his new education to quietly advise Robert, steering him toward business diversification. The advice pays off as Robert's fortunes grow beyond his dreams. The sudden wealth inspires Robert to retire early and devote himself to music.

Robert's factory and home
10

The attic revelations and Ambrose’s survival

On the eve of Robert's retirement, Dylan returns and declares that Ambrose's disappearance has been solved. He believes Harriet is sheltering a secret lover in the attic, 'Juan'. Robert and Harriet confront the attic, only to discover Ambrose alive and well.

eve of retirement Harriet's home attic
11

Divorce hearing and a charitable settlement

Robert and Harriet go to court to divorce, and Robert makes a surprising gesture by giving his businesses to Harriet and Ambrose as a wedding gift. The arrangement aims to secure a life for Harriet and Ambrose while Robert pursues his music. The court decision marks a turning point in their relationships.

Courtroom
12

A new arrangement and a musical future

Some time later, Ambrose arrives for breakfast in sober office attire and leaves Harriet to attend to business. Harriet stamps on the floor, and Robert rises from the basement in a mod outfit, signaling a renewed, unconventional union rooted in music. The trio's dynamic settles into a strange, hopeful rhythm as they embrace.

Some time later Blossom home

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 08:52

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The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom

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