"THE AMATEUR GENTLEMAN."

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18968, 5 April 1927, Page 13

"THE AMATEUR GENTLEMAN."

RICHARD BARTHELMESS IN THE LEAD. ENTETiTUXING PROGRAMME AT THE QUEICN'S. Tiie lure of the open roads of rural England, and all the quaint characters who travel along them, conies in large quantities from the Den of the famous novelist. Jeffery Parnol. Gathered into the pages of Farnol's books is to be found the fascinating atmosphere of the country highways and the many adventures to he found in the leafy lanes, even in these modern days of tar and bitumen. Farnol's greatest book was "The Broad Highwav," but a very close second to it is "The Amateur Gentleman," now showing" in film form at the Queen's Theatre. This tale can be described as a largn page of eventful Knelish history, full of bold intrigue, natural drama, and gilded romance. •Iraon- the many stirring scenes—and the ■iction is kept up at a fast pace throughout—are pistol duels, encounters lo the death with steel ond a tremendously exciting steeplechase. Comedy abounds in the photoplav always wittv, and sometimes tinged with faint 'satire which adds a piquancy to several scenes. For dress the picture would be hard'to beat. The attire of the dandies of the dav. with all its brilliant colour and quaint cut, is a feature of the film. The plot is a vigorous one. and goes with a swing from start to finish. At uo time is the movement allowed to arng, and each step in the unfolding of the melodrama is followed with breathless interest. The bold, daring exploits of the bloods give scope for a fine picture, and this is taken advantage of to the last decree. No better artist than Richard Barthelmess could have been selected for the main role, and in the part of a fighting blade, a part which suits him perfectly he shines particularly brightly. Barthelmess makes it decidedly handsome fijrure in his rich costume, and plays a strong role with verve. Nevertheless he is always the verv immaculate "amateur" gentleman. Other members of the cast include star artists —Nigel Barrie, Billie Bennett, and Porothv Dunbar. Kach plays a prominent rolo cleverly. Striking features of the picture ore the settings. Some of the fine old English scenery is shown in all its soft beauty, and makes the film worth seeing from that point of view alone. A ranidlv-moving comody-romance of the West is shown in support. This is entitled "Bringing Home the Bacon. and stars Buffalo Bill, jun. Other items are two j:.» <Mf'<! a Pipe, and Peggy s nZtr Also there'are a Topical Budget and a Gaumont Graphic.