REGENT

Evening Star, Issue 22445, 16 September 1936, Page 14

REGENT

Douglas Fairbanks and Elissa Landi are lilmdom’s newest romantic team, and their first picture is ‘ The Amateur Gentleman.’ It is now screening at the Regent. Adapted by Clemence Dane from Jeffery Farnol’s worldfamous novel, this colourful, swiftpaced tale of Regency England depicts the _ adventures of Barnabas Barty, an innkeeper’s son who, by a brilliant masquerade, rose to fame and prestige, _ tracked down a culprit, cleared his father’s name, and won the love of a lovely lady. ‘ The Amateur Gentleman ’ is the first offering of the newly-formed Criterion Film Productions, of which, young Fairbanks is coproducer. The film was directed by Thornton Freeland, Hollywood filmmaker, who went to England to star Jack Buchanan in ‘ Brewster’s Millions.’ Some of the most spetacular sots ever designed for use in the increasingly lavish British film industry were utilised for ‘ The Amateur Gentleman,’ in which other roles are played by Gordon Darker, Basil Sidney, Frank Pettingell, and Athoie Stewart. ' DESIRE.’ Marlene Dietrich and Gary Cooper some five years ago won international applause for their performance _in * Morocco,’ but subsequently the films of Marlene Deitrich at least did not appear to live up to her earlier standards. In ‘ Desire,’ however, commencing on Friday at the Regent, a change of directors has apparently _ worked wonders, and Marlene Dietrich will again win the approval of picturegoers with her fine performance under the direction of Frank Borzagc. Miss Dietrich has now “come_ down to earth,” and is a human being with a real sense of humour. Gary Cooper as a young American on vacation in Spain also scores a big success. The story opens in Paris with a cleverly executed jewel raid, and the flight of the adventuress Deitrich to the Spanish border. •

On the way a mishap occurs, as a result of which the lovely jewel thief is forced to part company with the stolen property. The young American helps the 1 escapee, and is unable to escape himself. The story moves to an amusing and exciting climax. The stars are supported by an able cast, including John Halhday, Alan Mowbray, William Frawley, and Ernest Cossart.