May Day: Louise Brooks and the Daily Worker

Upon their release, the films of Louise Brooks were reviewed in all manner of publications, from fashion magazines in the United States to fascist newspapers in Europe. They were also noted in the pages of the Daily Worker, a newspaper published in New York City by the Communist Party USA.

Publication of the Daily Worker began in 1924. While it reflected the prevailing views of the Communist party, attempts were made to make it appear that the paper reflected a broader spectrum of left-wing opinion. The Daily Worker covered the arts, and one-time poet Whittaker Chambers, Native Son novelist Richard Wright, and musician Woody Guthrie were all contributors at different times. At its peak, the newspaper achieved a circulation of 35,000.

Here are a couple citations for Louise Brooks' films from the pages of the Daily Worker. Surprisingly, the paper did not write-up Beggars of Life.

anonymous. "Screen Notes." Daily Worker, February 18, 1928.
--- brief write-up about A Girl in Every Port

Gaynor, Edward. "Tamiroff Displays Ability in King of Gamblers." Daily Worker, July 5, 1937.
--- film review in which Akim Tamiroff is noted as having studied acting in Moscow and Louise Brooks is listed as a member of the cast (despite the fact her role was cut)