Freely adapted by Clemence Dane.
I suddenly thought watching this - I do not know this Jeffery Farnol's story. The Amateur Gentleman.
Not bad as a film mind.
Took the book off my shelf.
Ronald Barrymaine has a central role in the book. Absent in the movie.
Jasper Shrig, Bow Street Runner famed for his "little reader". Pocket book, Planner or Personal Organiser. Early version.
Shrig turns up in the movie but you wouldn't know it.
So see the film but find the book. It is online and on Youtube.
This quote is lifted from Farnol's book and I consider spoils nothing in The Amateur Gentleman movie.
In the King's name! I arrest Ronald Barrymaine for the murder of Jasper Gaunt - in the King's name, gentlemen!
But now very slow and painfully, Ronald Barrymaine raised himself upon his hands, lifted his heavy head, and spoke in a feeble voice: Oh, m-master Hangman, he whispered, y-you're too l-late - j-just too late!
And so, like a weary child settling itself to rest, he pillowed his head upon his arm, and sighing - fell asleep.
Farnol dedicates The Amateur Gentleman book thus:
To MY FATHER who has ever chosen "the harder way" which is a path that can be trodden only by the foot of A MAN.
Just A MAN
An ancient race - Once Upon A Time In The West