The Beloved Rogue (1927) Director: Alan Crosland Studio: First National Pictures Starring: John Barrymore (François Villon), Conrad Veidt (King Louis XI), Marceline Day (Charlotte de Vauxcelles), Lawson Butt, Henry Victor Release Date: March 11, 1927 Runtime: 99 minutes Format: Black & White | Silent | Intertitles | Live Action Country: United States Language: Silent (English intertitles) Genres: Historical Drama | Adventure | Romance | Swashbuckler | Biographical Fiction Summary: The Beloved Rogue dramatizes the life and legend of François Villon, the infamous 15th-century French poet, rogue, and patriot. John Barrymore stars as Villon, a charming outlaw with a quick wit and a quicker sword, who steals from the rich, mocks the powerful, and fights for the poor of Paris. When Villon falls in love with the noble Lady Charlotte and dares to defy the scheming King Louis XI, he becomes both a national hero and a hunted man. Filled with elaborate sets, sweeping romance, and daring escapades, the film mixes historical fiction and high adventure with silent-era spectacle. Barrymore’s charismatic performance anchors this lavish production, balancing poetry and rebellion in equal measure. Background: The Beloved Rogue was one of the grand historical epics produced in the final years of the silent era. Directed by Alan Crosland—who would make history the next year with The Jazz Singer—the film was a showcase for John Barrymore at the height of his silent screen fame. It also marked an early American appearance by German actor Conrad Veidt, later famed for The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and Casablanca. The production spared no expense, with massive medieval sets built on the Warner Bros. lot and sweeping crowd scenes choreographed to evoke 15th-century Paris. Blending swashbuckling thrills with literary flair, The Beloved Rogue is considered a high point in Barrymore’s silent career and a prime example of late-1920s Hollywood ambition. Trivia: John Barrymore was known as “The Great Profile,” and this film features some of his most iconic silent-era close-ups. François Villon, the real-life figure, was a medieval poet famous for his rebellious lifestyle and populist verses. Conrad Veidt’s portrayal of King Louis XI added a sinister and theatrical presence—foreshadowing his villain roles in sound films. The film was produced just before the silent-to-sound transition, with intertitles featuring lines from Villon’s actual poetry. Lavish costumes and set design made this one of First National’s most expensive silent features. The film’s restoration survives today largely thanks to film archives and collectors, as much of the original nitrate stock had deteriorated. Hashtags: #TheBelovedRogue #JohnBarrymore #SilentFilm #FrançoisVillon #AlanCrosland #ConradVeidt #SilentEraCinema #HistoricalDrama #SwashbucklerClassic #VintageHollywood #PublicDomainFilm #FirstNationalPictures #1920sCinema #PoetOutlaw #ClassicAdventure #MedievalRomance #GoldenAgeSilentFilm #BarrymoreLegacy #SilentFilmRestoration #SilentSwashbuckler