The Beggar Maid (film)

The Beggar Maid is a 1921 American silent drama film based on the 1842 Tennyson poem of "The King and the Beggar-maid" and the 1884 painting of the scene by Sir Edward Burne-Jones.[1] The feature was directed by Herbert Blaché and stars Reginald Denny and Mary Astor.[2]

The Beggar Maid
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Directed byHerbert Blaché
Written byReginald Denny
Based onTennyson poem and
Sir Edward Burne-Jones painting
Produced byLejaran A. Hiller
Isaac Wolpe
StarringReginald Denny
Mary Astor
CinematographyLejaran A. Hiller
Production
company
Triart Picture Company
Distributed byW.W. Hodkinson
Release date
  • September 25, 1921 (1921-09-25)
Running time
2 reels
CountryUnited States
LanguageSilent (English intertitles)

Plot

This short film is the story of the youthful, idealistic Earl of Winston: an aristocrat who is hopelessly in love with the title character. She is the orphaned daughter of one of the Earls gardeners, who dutifully tends to her sick brother. Because of their different backgrounds, the Earl is unsure that a marriage will result in happiness. Will true love prevail?

Cast

Background
King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid, 1884 by Edward Burne-Jones

The poem by Tennyson and the painting by Burne-Jones which were the inspiration for the film:

Her arms across her breast she laid;
 She was more fair than words can say;
 Barefooted came the beggar maid
 Before the king Cophetua.
 In robe and crown the king stept down,
 To meet and greet her on her way;
'It is no wonder,' said the lords,
'She is more beautiful than day.'

As shines the moon in clouded skies,
 She in her poor attire was seen;
 One praised her ankles, one her eyes,
 One her dark hair and lovesome mien.
 So sweet a face, such angel grace,
 In all that land had never been.
 Cophetua sware a royal oath:
'This beggar maid shall be my queen!'

by Lord Alfred Tennyson (1809-1892)

References
  1. "Critics Commend 'Beggar Maid' as Shown at Rivoli". Exhibitors Trade Review. 10 (19): 1319. October 1921.
  2. "Progressive Silent Film List: The Beggar Maid". silentera.com. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
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