Like many later silent films, 'Beggars of life' is very direct as it begins - not to the point of forsaking subtlety, but to advance the plot quickly and maintain a steady pace. Just as swiftly, we're treated to inarguable excellence of craft in a medium that, while still developing, had grown quickly from where it stood even 10 years prior. Director William A. Wellman, cinematographer Henry W. Gerrard, and editor Alyson Shaffer all demonstrate a dexterity and keen mind both in practicing their art generally, and in working to build wonderfully fetching shots and scenes here specifically. From images overlaid on one another to close-ups, from angles obtained with carefully mounted cameras to tracking and framed shots, there's so much tremendous work poured into the very construction of the feature that readily, within mere minutes, makes it dynamic and grabbing. Filled with moments of tension, comedy, suspense, and drama, and heartfelt and sincere at all times, there are no two ways about it: this is an essential classic.
Louise Brooks was one of the truly great actresses of the silent era, wielding outstanding range, nuance, and physicality in her performances, in every little expression. She handily lights up the screen all by herself with terrific presence and strength of character that one can recognize in her very countenance - and 'Beggars of life' is simply another superb example of what she's capable of. Of course, this is never to count out her co-stars, and in this instance Richard Arlen, appearing opposite Brooks as "the boy," makes an especially strong impression with personality and poise to match his fairer half. Wallace Beery, given top billing alongside Brooks, is likewise fantastic as sleazy yet frank "Oklahoma Red," leaning into the overbearing boorishness of a tramp with unexpected insight. And still, everyone else in smaller supporting parts are just as swell as they bring their figures to life and help to realize the whole.
Just as with the fundamental build of the picture, and the acting, the writing is brilliantly sharp in all ways. As is true elsewhere among silent films, dialogue as related through intertitles is given sturdy consideration, and characters are penned with a surprising measure of depth and varied personality - but these aren't as important to this timeframe in cinema as the scene writing, and the overall narrative. And in both regards, 'Beggars of life' is fine indeed - spirited, lively, and absorbing as it plays with a variety of moods and circumstances. Moreover, to some degree it adopts airs of both adventure (a la 'Tom Sawyer,' or perhaps 'Stand by me'), and a coming-of-age story as the unnamed female protagonist goes through such wild experiences. Honestly, apart from maybe Buster Keaton's farcical romps, there aren't many silent features to come to mind that have so robust a sense of action.
And even still, there's also a fabulous intelligence underpinning this picture, with smart details rounding out every last element. Brooks was known for it, and there's no mistaking it here: she and her fellow cast members all illustrate a natural, fluid ease of expression and body language, running counter to the pointedly exaggerated depictions common to earlier silent features - and with that, every small shift in emotion, and every turn in the plot, can be read in the actors' performances as though we were perusing the most verbose and poetic of tomes. In conjuration and realization alike - screenplay, direction, editing, cinematography - there's dazzling attentiveness to how every shot and scene is built, and to what we see therein, down to the tiniest of moments that serve to advance the plot and pique our interest. All this is to say nothing of the care poured into costume design, hair and makeup, set design, stunts and effects, and every last minute facet.
There are only so many ways to describe such unswerving high quality. I could go on but I'd only be repeating myself - in every possible aspect, I think this is all but perfect. Louise Brooks is breathtaking, of course, but so are her co-stars, and so is the writing, and so on and so on. I recognize that silent films sometimes aren't easy to abide for all audiences, yet 'Beggars of life' bears a vibrancy that I'm inclined to believe leaves behind those traits that may be most difficult for some viewers. It's engrossing, exciting, and stimulating in ways more akin to sound features of subsequent years - yet without any need for audio. When all is said and done, I think this is an exceptional picture that's well worth seeking out - standing the test of time to earn my enthusiastic recommendation!
Louise Brooks was one of the truly great actresses of the silent era, wielding outstanding range, nuance, and physicality in her performances, in every little expression. She handily lights up the screen all by herself with terrific presence and strength of character that one can recognize in her very countenance - and 'Beggars of life' is simply another superb example of what she's capable of. Of course, this is never to count out her co-stars, and in this instance Richard Arlen, appearing opposite Brooks as "the boy," makes an especially strong impression with personality and poise to match his fairer half. Wallace Beery, given top billing alongside Brooks, is likewise fantastic as sleazy yet frank "Oklahoma Red," leaning into the overbearing boorishness of a tramp with unexpected insight. And still, everyone else in smaller supporting parts are just as swell as they bring their figures to life and help to realize the whole.
Just as with the fundamental build of the picture, and the acting, the writing is brilliantly sharp in all ways. As is true elsewhere among silent films, dialogue as related through intertitles is given sturdy consideration, and characters are penned with a surprising measure of depth and varied personality - but these aren't as important to this timeframe in cinema as the scene writing, and the overall narrative. And in both regards, 'Beggars of life' is fine indeed - spirited, lively, and absorbing as it plays with a variety of moods and circumstances. Moreover, to some degree it adopts airs of both adventure (a la 'Tom Sawyer,' or perhaps 'Stand by me'), and a coming-of-age story as the unnamed female protagonist goes through such wild experiences. Honestly, apart from maybe Buster Keaton's farcical romps, there aren't many silent features to come to mind that have so robust a sense of action.
And even still, there's also a fabulous intelligence underpinning this picture, with smart details rounding out every last element. Brooks was known for it, and there's no mistaking it here: she and her fellow cast members all illustrate a natural, fluid ease of expression and body language, running counter to the pointedly exaggerated depictions common to earlier silent features - and with that, every small shift in emotion, and every turn in the plot, can be read in the actors' performances as though we were perusing the most verbose and poetic of tomes. In conjuration and realization alike - screenplay, direction, editing, cinematography - there's dazzling attentiveness to how every shot and scene is built, and to what we see therein, down to the tiniest of moments that serve to advance the plot and pique our interest. All this is to say nothing of the care poured into costume design, hair and makeup, set design, stunts and effects, and every last minute facet.
There are only so many ways to describe such unswerving high quality. I could go on but I'd only be repeating myself - in every possible aspect, I think this is all but perfect. Louise Brooks is breathtaking, of course, but so are her co-stars, and so is the writing, and so on and so on. I recognize that silent films sometimes aren't easy to abide for all audiences, yet 'Beggars of life' bears a vibrancy that I'm inclined to believe leaves behind those traits that may be most difficult for some viewers. It's engrossing, exciting, and stimulating in ways more akin to sound features of subsequent years - yet without any need for audio. When all is said and done, I think this is an exceptional picture that's well worth seeking out - standing the test of time to earn my enthusiastic recommendation!