Is The Amateur Gentleman Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1936)

📖 The Core Premise

The Amateur Gentleman returns to the screen in 1936, bringing a fresh narrative to the Adventure genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "A former boxing champion, now an innkeeper, is accused of stealing a watch from a party of guests at his inn, who happen to be members of English royalty. The old man is arrested and thrown in prison. His son, knowing that his father didn't steal the watch and suspecting a frame-up, follows the royal party to London, where he poses as a wealthy "gentleman" and insinuates himself into the English court in an effort to find out who framed his father and why."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In The Amateur Gentleman, even the presence of Douglas Fairbanks Jr. struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Adventure. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Amateur Gentleman worth your time? If you appreciate Adventure films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Amateur Gentleman misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 102 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.