“AMATEUR GENTLEMAN” IS AT EVERYBODY’S.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18045, 4 January 1927, Page 7

“AMATEUR GENTLEMAN” IS AT EVERYBODY’S.

FARNOL’S STORY MAKES GREAT PHOTO. PLAY. Presenting a. stirring and fragrant, page from t.hn history of England, “The Amateur Gentleman,” the leading film on the current programme at Everybody’s Theatre, is one of the most, entertaining photo-plays that have been shown at this popular picture house for many months. Jt Ip brimful of surprises. Tt is delightfully played, and it is admirably mounted. There is about, 'it a whirlwind of action, an originalitj’ of treatment and an element of surprise that cannot, fail to please. There has been no striving after effect:, but emphasis where necessary lias been gained by

subtle, means. “The Amateur Gentle- !" aa ‘ s Sood story. It deals with the. period of the Regency. There was much, glamour and tinsel about one section of the people of England in those romantic days. There was much to intrigue, much to fascinate and entertain. Those were the days of worldly pleasures. Men stalked abroad in gaily coloured suits of silk. Women strove hard ior social leadership. Pomp and splendour were twin gods. Jeffrey Farnol in his excellent story has succeeded in catching the atmosphere of those days. He has imparted il to the pages of a book, and from the book a capable director has transferred it to the screen. Tn the hero of the story he has created a very interesting being. The amateur gentleman is an amateur in many ways. He succeeds in breaking into the select circle that surrounds the corpulent and pompous regent. He causes a stir by reason of his exquisite cravat. It is *■ quite a new thing. So the would-be gen- I tleman is regarded as something of a novelty. He is admired by the womenfolk, and he is envied by the men. Then, when it seems that he has reached the pinnacle of popularity, he suffers a rude shock. They find out that he is not a gentleman at all—not as they reckoned gentlemen, in any case. There follows a succession of breath-taking incidents that compel ’ an attitude of constant expectancy and keep one on tenterhooks throughout. Though an amateur in society, the gentleman of the story wins a. lady’s love—and she is a. beautiful lady, too. Richard Barlhelmess appears in the leading role. His characterisation is convincing and finnished. He cuts a striking figure in his old-time costumes, and lie makes a perfect knight with his trusty blade at his side. Gino Corrado has a difficult role as the tyrannous Prince Regent He is a talented actor, and lie acquits himself well. There is a polish about bis work that only I be real artist can impart. Nigel Barrie. Dorothy Dunbar and Billie Bennett fill their parts admirably. Lovey Mary,” the second film on the programme, is a sequel to "Mrs Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch.” It has both pathos and humour. Mrs Wiggs is seen once again with her tongue a-wag-ging and her arms akimbo. She is a loving soul with all her faults. She has many incongruities, but they can be

overlooked. She has her finer points, f and they can be appreciated. William | llaiues in the leading male role scores i an emphatic success. He establishes j himself as a clever actor. Tt is doubt- i fill whether any other star .in the film j firmament to-day could have played the I could catch up the atmosphere that, lie ! lias caught. Bessie Love is a charming ! The "Select” Orchestra, under the : dire.-tion of Mr W. J. Bellingham, j F.S.M.. plays a special orchestral programme, including the following numbers:—Overture, "Martial Moments" (Alford); opera, “ Rigoletto ” (Verdi); song suite. "Popular Songs” (Schubert): suite, "Cendrillon” (Massenet); symphony, “Surprise” (Haydn): entr’acte. “On the Riviera” (Wilber); part song. "The Snow.” arranged by Lund; selection, “On with the Dance” (Finck).