Diary of a Lost Girl, starring Louise Brooks, to be screened at Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum in Fort Smith, Arkansas

Diary of a Lost Girl, the sensational 1929 film starring Louise Brooks, will be screened at Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum in Fort Smith, Arkansas on June 5. This special event is being held in conjunction with the Fort Smith Public Library. More information about the event can be found HERE.

The venue states, "Diary of a Lost Girl (1929), directed by G. W. Pabst and starring Louise Brooks, follows Thymiane, a young woman cast out after becoming pregnant and deemed “immoral” by her family and society. Sent through reformatories and exploitation, her story exposes the cruelty, hypocrisy, and double standards imposed on women. The film is a powerful critique of social morality and remains a landmark of early cinema.

Join us at Miss Laura’s in partnership with the Fort Smith Public Library for this unforgettable cinematic experience. Whether you’re a film lover, history buff, or simply curious about the rebellious spirit of the 1920s, this is one screening you won’t want to miss. Admission is FREE to the public. Seats are limited so reserve your tickets online at misslaurasmuseum.com .... experience a silent film that still speaks volumes."

Louise Brooks twice visited Fort Smith. The first time was in 1922, when she and the Denishawn Dance Co, gave matinee and evening performances at the local Joie Theatre on November 22 of that year. The company returned once more in 1923, when it once again a gave matinee and evening performance on February 6. Brooks first mention in a Fort Smith newspaper likely occurred on February 7, when the Southwest American reviewed the prior day's performance.

Above is a newspaper image of the now demolished theatre building as it appeared in 1921, the year before Brooks performed there. The location of the old theatre is only a four minute drive or 18 minute walk from the old mansion which now houses Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum. (The Joie was demolished in 1953, and today a Hideaway Pizza is located on the lot.)

Brooks first depiction in a Fort Smith newspaper occurred on December 4, 1925, when the local Times Record ran the syndicated piece shown below on their picture page.

And, of course, most of Brooks' American silent and earliest sound films were shown in Fort Smith in the 1920s. Many seemed to have been shown at the New theater.

Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum is one of the most unique attractions Fort Smith has to offer. According to its website, it is a meticulously preserved Victorian brothel that offers a glimpse into the lives of the women who shaped the history of Fort Smith. Through guided tours, authentic exhibits, and interactive displays, immerse yourself in the opulence, charm, and intrigue of a bygone era. Visit its website for more info at misslaurasmuseum.com 

More about Diary of a Lost Girl can be found on the newly revamped Louise Brooks Society website on its Diary of a Lost Girl (filmography page). 

THE LEGAL STUFF: The Louise Brooks Society™ blog is authored by Thomas Gladysz, Director of the Louise Brooks Society  (www.pandorasbox.com). Original content copyright © 2026. Further unauthorized use prohibited. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.