I too was surprised at how he was pictured in the film version, but as his character really didn't have much to do in the book, I think perhaps the producers felt free to make him a little more memorable. Perhaps they felt that his remark about books vs cards (with books coming out the loser) was more natural coming from a "a sporting type" who drank than a mere dandy. I can't recall the name of the actor who portrayed Mr Hurst, but he did an excellent job as the equally boorish guest (who later trapped the Ande McDowell character in the hotel parlor)at the first wedding in "Four Weddings and a Funeral."