Drama
United States of America
Foolish Wives is a 1922 silent drama film directed by and starring Erich von Stroheim. The film was produced by Universal Pictures and is widely regarded as one of the most controversial films of its time. It was also one of the most expensive films ever made, costing an estimated $1.2 million to produce.
The film centers on the character of Count Wladislaw Sergius Karamzin, a con artist who poses as a Russian nobleman and extorts money from wealthy women. He is aided in his schemes by two accomplices, the phony princesses Olga Petchnikoff (Mae Busch) and Vera Petchnikoff (Maud George).
Count Karamzin sets his sights on the wealthy and naive Mrs. Hughes (played by Miss DuPont). Despite her husband's warnings about the count's true nature, Mrs. Hughes falls for his charms and begins an affair with him.
However, things begin to unravel for the Count when his true identity is revealed and Mrs. Hughes becomes aware of his fraudulent schemes. The film culminates in a thrilling and violent climax, as the Count attempts to escape the authorities while being pursued through the streets of Monte Carlo.
Foolish Wives was renowned for its controversial content and explicit sexual themes, which were deemed highly scandalous by contemporary audiences. Despite this, it was a commercial success and helped to establish von Stroheim as a major force in the silent film industry.
