The Beloved Rogue is a 1927 American silent film, loosely based on the life of the 15th century French poet, François Villon. The film was directed by Alan Crosland for United Artists.

François Villon is played by John Barrymore, and other cast members include Conrad Veidt as King Louis XI and Marceline Day as Charlotte de Vauxcelles.

The story had been filmed in 1920 as If I Were King with William Farnum. The film was later re-made in the sound era again reverting to its original title If I Were King with Ronald Colman. And as the Vagabond King in 1930 and again in 1956

Plot
François Villon is a poet and avid patriot whose father was burned at the stake. François is particularly committed to helping the oppressed and the weak. The Duke of Burgundy is out for the French throne. With cunning and deceit he tries to deceive the superstitious king, who is warned by his astrologers about a war with Burgundy. So the king also gives in to the demand that his ward Charlotte marry the Burgundian Count Thibault d’Aussigny.

On “Day of Fools” François is elected King of Fools by the population. The citizens protest against the living conditions. The Duke wants to end the uprising, but is offended by François. King Ludwig, fearing an affront to the duke, banishes François from Paris. With some friends, François steals a wagon with food that the Duke has sent to the King. They use a catapult to transport food into town to care for the poor.

François is accidentally catapulted into the city. It ends up in Charlotte’s room, who is waiting there with her groom for the wedding to begin. The count pursues the surprised poet. A battle ensues in which François defeats Thibault. Charlotte decides to run away with the poet. But François is captured and Charlotte surrenders to her fate.

François is brought to Burgundy, tortured and, as a special wedding surprise, locked in a cage. Surprisingly, soldiers attack the king who has been convinced that the wedding is part of an intrigue against him. The soldiers free François and Charlotte, who now want to get married.

Cast
John Barrymore—François Villon
Conrad Veidt—King Louis XI
Marceline Day—Charlotte de Vauxcelles
W. Lawson Butt—Duke of Burgundy
Henry Victor—Thibault d’Aussigny
Slim Summerville—Jehan
Mack Swain—Nicholas
Angelo Rossitto—Beppo the Dwarf
Nigel De Brulier—Astrologer
Lucy Beaumont—Villon’s mother
Otto Matieson—Olivier (as Otto Mattiesen)
Jane Winton—The Abbess
Rose Dione—Margot
Bertram Grassby—Duke of Orleans
Dick Sutherland—Tristan l’Hermite
Martha Franklin—Maid (uncredited)
Stubby Kruger — (uncredited)
Dickie Moore—Baby Francois (uncredited)