La belle Russe 1919
"The celebrated stage drama by David Belasco. Miss Bara plays the most extraordinary dual role in the history of photoplays."
Step into the Parisian nightlife of the early 20th century with *La belle Russe* (1919), Charles Brabin's silent-era romance that showcases Theda Bara's legendary talent in a dual role.
Director: Charles Brabin
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is La belle Russe (1919) about?
*La belle Russe* follows the lives of twin sisters Fleurette and La Belle Russe, who are Parisian dancers separated by morality and fate. When Fleurette marries a British aristocrat, their contrasting worlds collide, leading to drama, scandal, and a family torn apart by class divisions.
Who directed La belle Russe?
Charles Brabin directed *La belle Russe* (1919), bringing a dramatic flair to this silent-era romance.
Who stars in La belle Russe?
The film stars Theda Bara in a legendary dual role, alongside Warburton Gamble, Marian Stewart, Robert Lee Keeling, and William B. Davidson.
Is La belle Russe (1919) worth watching?
*La belle Russe* offers a fascinating glimpse into early Hollywood's approach to romance and scandal, though its silent-era style and unrated status may limit appeal today. Fans of Theda Bara or silent films will find it a compelling watch for its historical significance.
How long is La belle Russe?
The runtime for *La belle Russe* (1919) is 60 minutes.
About La belle Russe (1919) — Theda Bara's Dual Role in a Silent-Era Romance Classic
Step into the Parisian nightlife of the early 20th century with *La belle Russe* (1919), Charles Brabin's silent-era romance that showcases Theda Bara's legendary talent in a dual role. This atmospheric drama follows twin sisters Fleurette and La Belle Russe—one a pure-hearted dancer, the other a seductive temptress—whose lives intertwine with aristocratic Britain in a tale of love, betrayal, and societal pressures. Bara's performance as both the virtuous and wicked sister infuses the film with electric contrast, while Warburton Gamble plays Philip Sackton, the nobleman torn between duty and desire. The story unfolds against a backdrop of glittering Parisian cabarets and shadowy aristocratic halls, exploring themes of class, morality, and the price of ambition.
Directed with a keen eye for drama, *La belle Russe* (1919) is a compelling snapshot of early Hollywood's fascination with exoticism and scandal, wrapped in the silent era's signature visual storytelling. The film's tagline hints at Bara's larger-than-life presence, and her dual role remains one of the most talked-about performances of the period.