Foolish Wives (1922)

In 1922, Universal Pictures commissioned Erich von Stroheim to direct, write, and star in "Foolish Wives". His first film, "Blind Husbands",was quite a hit. His second film, "Devil's Passkey", has turned to dust. Prof. Arthur Lennig has edited the clearest scenes from 2 Italian versions of this ancient classic, and for the first time you may see and own the most complete edition of "Foolish Wives" in startling DVD. Green and orange sepia toned sequences alter the mood and story. "Foolish Wives" opens with von Stroheim munching on real caviar and Russian cigarettes as he gazes out of his oceanside chateau with his two female consorts. This begins his story of a bogus European count out to defraud and seduce unwary American tourists' wives. The first film to sport a Million Dollar budget, von Stroheim reconstructed an authentic replica of the Monte Carlo casino on the Universal back lot. A tour of Universal Studios today reveals no trace of this once famous set. I recommend this tale of kinky sex and mild debauchery as it winds down to a surprise ending. Just three years later, he directed "Greed" at MGM. It is now considered among the one-or-two greatest films of alltime. Eventually, Hollywood studios barred Erich von Stroheim from directing any more lavish, expensive epics. They said his style was over-rated. They've been copying and re-inventing it ever since.

Erich Von Stroheim was an absolute genius and brought the art of movie making to new heights. In a time when many films consisted of room shots with the individuals in frame overacting to compensate for the lack of sound, Stroheim was developing complex characters, plot twists and subtle nuances. He understood that a certain look, movement of the eyes, or quick smile could tell an audience more about a character than 10 title cards.

"Foolish Wives" is genuinely wonderful film that shows Erich Von Stroheim at one of his best moments; Not only writing & directing, but starring in the film itself as a hoaxing opportunist very much addicted to using women and very much in need of money. He finds a vulnerable woman that allows him to begin weaving his web of seduction over her emotional and financial state.

"Foolish Wives" is an excellent film, compared to silents and talkies alike, "Foolish Wives" holds it's own.

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Once more the genius of Erich von Stroheim can be appreciated in this superb and mature film. The astonishing handle of the camera and the facial expressions have in him an eloquent and perfect ambassador. Sobriety, charm and exquisite good taste are the real difference.

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FOOLISH WIVES is a great old film. Stroheim had a keen eye for the bizarre and for details. This DVD has its flaws

but all in all quite acceptable.

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Very interesting story of deception among the jet set before there was one.

Eric von Stroheim plays a real Count who dishonors his home and visiting country by enlisting two fake cousins in his schemes to extract wealth from Monte Carlo vacationers. When he's not pursuing rich married women, he's "borrowing" from the Housekeeper he has promised to marry.

One of the "cousins" is Mae Busch in an early role. Known better as "Mrs. Hardy" or L & H's nemesis in many Laurel and Hardy films, it's fun to watch her strut her stuff: the character is similiar to the one from "Chickens Come Home", from about 10 years later.

Great sets, costumes; interesting camera angles; tintype effect. New musical soundtrack is a solo piano, beautifully incorporated.

Viewer should know that the film conatins some very disturbing racial

content, of course, typical of the period.

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