Foolish Wives
Director: Erich von Stroheim
Actors: Rudolph Christians, Miss DuPont, Maude George
PlotSet in the lavish, yet morally ambiguous backdrop of Monte Carlo, the story revolves around a trio of con artists, led by a counterfeit Russian count. This cunning group targets the wealthy with their sophisticated scam, aiming to charm and deceive their way into enormous fortunes. The so-called count, the mastermind behind the operations, sets his eyes on a particular American diplomat's wife, seeing her as the key to their most audacious swindle yet. Their plan is simple: use their fake titles and supposed nobility to infiltrate the upper echelons of society and manipulate their victims into parting with their wealth.
As the count begins to weave his web of deceit around the diplomat's wife, he encounters unexpected complexities in his emotions and the reactions of those around him. The opulent world of Monte Carlo, with its casinos and grand parties, serves as the perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama. His pursuit is not just a game of wealth but becomes a nuanced exploration of identity, trust, and the dangerous allure of appearances. This narrative unfolds a tapestry of human frailties and ambitions, highlighting the thin line between the façade of nobility and the reality of moral bankruptcy.
Writers: Erich von Stroheim, Marian Ainslee, Walter Anthony
Release Date: 11 Jan 1922
Runtime: 117 min
Rating: Not Rated
Country: United States
Language: English, Latin, French
Home Video Reviews
'Foolish Wives'—a pioneering, grand melodrama with a restored, near-complete version lauded for authenticity & historical significance.
Read our review of Foolish Wives Blu-ray to find out more