Well, it's a movie with Louise Brooks, so we're supposed to talk about Louise Brooks. She plays a major supporting role as Evelyn Brent's sister, lifting the money from the dance fund for a flyer on the horses. Like most of her roles in this period, she sleepwalks through the part, at least until she gets to the dance. There she does a few seconds of a fast Charleston and smiles. Wham! Lord, the camera loves her. It's a masquerade party, so she's dressed like a showgirl, while all the other women wear long skirts. She always seems out of place in these roles. I spend my time looking at her and wondering why she isn't on a chorus line or some fat millionaire's arm. Ah, the joys of miscasting.
Evelyn Brent is wonderful, but she is only the star of the movie and she is certainly photographed to her benefit. Still, the difference in acting styles is absolutely clear: Miss Brent knows how to show her character's emotions on the screen, while Louise Brooks comes off as no more than a party girl.
Evelyn Brent is wonderful, but she is only the star of the movie and she is certainly photographed to her benefit. Still, the difference in acting styles is absolutely clear: Miss Brent knows how to show her character's emotions on the screen, while Louise Brooks comes off as no more than a party girl.