Mary Louise Brooks was an American actress who is best known for her roles in Pandora’s Box, A Girl in Every Port, and Beggars of Life. Born on November 14, 1906, in Cherryvale, Kansas, she became a prominent figure in silent films and was notable for her distinctive bobbed hairstyle.
Personal and Family Life
Louise Brooks was born to Myra Rude Brooks and Leonard Porter Brooks. She had two short marriages, first to A. Edward Sutherland from 1926 to 1928 and then to William Deering Davis from 1933 to 1937, both ending in divorce. Throughout her life, Louise was known for her bohemian lifestyle and artistic interests, which included writing and painting. She embraced her individuality and often resisted the norms of Hollywood during her career.
Career Highlights
Louise began her career as a dancer with the Denishawn Dancers and soon transitioned to film, making her mark in silent cinema. She starred in a number of successful films, with her most notable performance being as Lulu in the 1929 film Pandora’s Box. Her unique style and talent set her apart as a trendsetter in the 1920s, influencing many women of the time. After leaving Hollywood, she found success in Europe and continued to work in films until her retirement in 1938, having appeared in 25 movies.
Death and Legacy
Louise Brooks passed away on August 8, 1985, due to a heart attack in Rochester, New York, at the age of 78. Her legacy endures through her influential performances and unique style, which continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike. Brooks has been recognized as a pioneering figure in cinema history, remembered for her contributions to the art of film and her impact on fashion and culture.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Die Büchse der Pandora | 1929-01-30 | Lulu |
| Tagebuch einer Verlorenen | 1929-09-27 | Thymian Henning |
| The Canary Murder Case | 1929-02-16 | The Canary |
| Prix de beauté | 1930-08-01 | Lucienne |
| Rolled Stockings | 1927-06-18 | Carol Fleming |
| Beggars of Life | 1928-09-22 | The Girl (Nancy) |
| The Show Off | 1926-08-16 | Clara |
| A Girl in Every Port | 1928-02-26 | Marie / Mam’selle Godiva |
| Overland Stage Raiders | 1938-09-20 | Beth Hoyt |
| Love ‘Em and Leave ‘Em | 1926-03-19 | Janie Walsh |
| Windy Riley Goes Hollywood | 1931-05-02 | Betty Grey |
| It’s the Old Army Game | 1926-07-10 | Mildred Marshall |
| God’s Gift to Women | 1931-04-13 | Florine |
| It Pays to Advertise | 1931-02-18 | Thelma Temple |
| Fragments: Surviving Pieces of Lost Films | 2011-04-03 | Herself (archive footage) |
| Lulu | 1996-10-01 | Lulu |
| Empty Saddles | 1936-12-20 | Boots Boone |
| 1001 Films | 1989-01-01 | (archival) |
| Now We’re in the Air | 1927-10-21 | Griselle and Grisette |
| The American Venus | 1926-01-31 | Miss Bayport |
| Louise Brooks | 1986-04-17 | Herself (Archival Footage) |
| A Social Celebrity | 1926-03-29 | Kitty Laverne |
| Memories of Berlin: The Twilight of Weimar Culture | 1976-10-07 | Self – Interviewee |
| The City Gone Wild | 1927-11-12 | Snuggles Joy |
| Why Be Good?: Sexuality & Censorship in Early Cinema | 2007-05-23 | Self (archive footage) |
| The Love Goddesses | 1965-03-03 | (archive footage) |
| Just Another Blonde | 1926-12-13 | Diana O’Sullivan |
| Evening Clothes | 1927-03-19 | Fox Trot |
| Louise Brooks: Looking for Lulu | 1998-05-05 | Herself (archive footage) |
| Lulu in Berlin | 1984-05-27 | Herself |
| Clara Bow: Discovering the It Girl | 1999-06-14 | Self (archive footage) |
| The Casting Couch | 1995-01-01 | (archive footage) |
| The Street of Forgotten Men | 1925-07-24 | A Moll (uncredited) |