The Beggar Maid is a 1921 American silent drama film based on the 1842 Tennyson poem of "The King and the Beggar-maid" and the 1884 painting of the scene by Sir Edward Burne-Jones.

[2] This short film is the story of the youthful, idealistic Earl of Winston: an aristocrat who is hopelessly in love with the title character.

The poem by Tennyson and the painting by Burne-Jones which were the inspiration for the film: Her arms across her breast she laid; She was more fair than words can say; Barefooted came the beggar maid Before the king Cophetua.

In robe and crown the king stept down, To meet and greet her on her way; 'It is no wonder,' said the lords, 'She is more beautiful than day.'

As shines the moon in clouded skies, She in her poor attire was seen; One praised her ankles, one her eyes, One her dark hair and lovesome mien.