American Beauty (1927 film)
American Beauty is a lost[1] 1927 American silent film romantic drama produced and distributed by First National Pictures. This film was directed by Richard Wallace and starred Billie Dove. It is based on a short story American Beauty by Wallace Irwin. Walter McGrail and Margaret Livingston are also in the cast.[2][3][4]
| American Beauty | |
|---|---|
 Film poster | |
| Directed by | Richard Wallace |
| Produced by | First National Pictures Carey Wilson Richard A. Rowland |
| Written by | Wallace Irwin (short story) Carey Wilson (scenario) Michael Arlen (scenario) Ben Hecht (scenario) Robert E. Hopkins (intertitles) |
| Cinematography | George J. Folsey |
| Distributed by | First National Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 7 reels; 6,333 feet |
| Country | United States |
| Language | Silent |
The story
Billy Dove stars as the title character, Millicent Howard, whose appearance and persona bring her a life of luxury. A millionaire named Claverhouse asks her to marry, but she values love more than wealth, and she sacrifices everything for another man, who is less wealthy, Jerry Booth. A number of scenes require Millicent to disrobe except for her underthings. The actress, Billy Dove, is known for her love affair with Howard Hughes.[5]
Cast
- Billie Dove – Millicent Howard
- Lloyd Hughes – Jerry Booth
- Walter McGrail – Claverhouse
- Margaret Livingston – Mrs. Gillespie
- Lucien Prival – Gillespie
- Al St. John – Waiter
- Edythe Chapman – Madame O'Riley
- Alice White – Claire O'Riley
- Yola d'Avril – Telephone Girl
References
- The Library of Congress American Silent Feature Film Survival Catalog: American Beauty
- The American Film Institute Catalog Feature Films: 1921-30 by The American Film Institute, c.1971
- American Beauty at silentera.com
- American Beauty on Arne Andersen's Lost Film Files: First National Pictures 1927 Archived March 3, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
- American Beauty at AllMovie