Louise Brooks with Richard Arlen and Wallace Beery
Paramount Studios Publicity Photograph for BEGGARS OF LIFE
May-June, 1928 · Hollywood, California

It was during the filming of BEGGARS OF LIFE that Brooks's ambivalence toward Richard Arlen turned to dislike, and the feeling proved to be mutual. However, her bond with former co-star Wallace Beery was reinforced. While many who worked with Beery found him a distasteful bully, Louise adored his dark sense of humor, bravery, and grace. Beery, in a piece of paternal advice on the first day of shooting, warned her against being talked into doing any unneccessary stunts for director William "Wild Bill" Wellman. Naturally, Louise disobeyed, performing all but one of the dangerous stunts required of her on Locomotive 102, the freight train which became the film's primary set.