"THE AMATEUR GENTLEMAN."

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18890, 4 January 1927, Page 14

"THE AMATEUR GENTLEMAN."

WITH RICHARD BARTHELMESS. ROMANCE AND SPOKT. The atmosphere of those seemingly far-off times—the days of the Regency—so admirably caught and held by Jeffery Farnol in ''The Amateur Gentleman," is reproduced entirely satisfactorily and with uncommon fidelity in the screen version submitted to a capacity bouse at Everybody's Theatre last night. In some instances the transference of a notable story to the screen is effected at considerable loss, and the more perfect the story the greater is the gulf between the author's ideas and those of the picture producer. In the case of "The Amateur Gentleman," the producer of the iilm has caught the spirit of the author, and the result, aB indicated by the sustained and breathless interest shown by last night's discriminating audience, was wholly pleasurable. To this general effect interpretation by artists of the highest talent, great accuracy in the costumes, and flawless photography contributed very largely. It is difficult to imagine Barnabas Beverley Barty in better hands than those of Richard Burthelmess. Just as the exquisite garments of the period fitted him to perfection, so the part of "The Amateur Gentleman" appeared as having been created for him. Frorn the opening scenes, with the. stirring pugilistic bout between him and his father, to the dramatic closing incidents, Barthelmess gives a consistent and-convincing portrayal of the character. The many thrilling and romantic incidents gain added interest from the fidelity with which the principal character is represented. The love story interwoven is also finely developed, and Dorothy Dunbar, as Lady Cleone Meredith, presents the character with all the necessary charm and daintiness. There is, however, scarcely a personality in the story that is not fittingly and convincingly represented. The Prince Regent almost lives again in Giuo Corrado, and the character of the villain, Sir Mortimer Carnaby, is another admirablo study. The sporting elements in the story, especially the steeplechase, are reproduced with great verisimilitude, and the many dramatio incidents aro pictured with startling reality. , . In the second offering, "Lovey Mary, ac•intance is renewed with Mrs Viggs and \. .Ji the Cabbage Patch she has made worldfamous. Bessie Love plays the heroine of this story of strong human appeal, which centres round the motherly love showered on little Tommy, the son of Lovey Mary's giddy and irresponsible sister. The part calls for much emotional acting, but Bessie Love makes it so realistic that sho never suggests acting. William Haines, as leading man, fills the part of Mrs Wiggs's son admirably, and Mrs Wiggs and Miss Hazy also are in highly capable hands. Though somewhat melodramatic, the story is relieved by much whimsical humour and enchains the attention while it is being unfolded. A further instalment of the thrilling "Kpic of Evoreirt," and the latest gazotte, complete an excellent hoUday bill. The "Select Orchestra, under Mr W. J. Belhngham s direction, contributed successfull and pleasingly a programme of - appropriate music.