The Amateur Gentleman

Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. produced and starred in The Amateur Gentleman for the British cinema. It was done in the mid 30s while Fairbanks and his father were in the United Kingdom.

Fairbanks is the son of innkeeper who is accused of robbery by some passersby of more rank. A most serious crime because robbery even of a small sum was a hanging offense.

The innkeeper Frank Pettingell was a former bare knuckles boxing champion and he's taught Fairbanks more than a few ring tricks. Enough so that it ingratiates Fairbanks into Regency society. The future George IV was a devotee of the manly art of self defense.

The villain here is Basil Sydney who plays a part that future British colony resident George Sanders would play over and over. The rich and titled who enjoyed his privileges to the hilt.

Elissa Landi another refugee from the American cinema is our leading lady. A future queen of British cinema Margaret Lockwood is down the cast list in a supporting role.

You have to admire the way Fairbanks gives Sydney the old comeuppance.

The Amateur Gentleman holds up well for today's audience..