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Format: VHS
Not Rated
Recording Mode: (unknown)
117 min. |
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Details
Movie Description
Erich von Stroheim's psychologically penetrating and visually gorgeous study of "innocent Americans" abroad, and their inability to understand the longstanding rules of behavior followed by their sophisticated European counterparts. An American diplomat and his wife journey to Monte Carlo, where he proceeds to bury himself in work. His wife, bored and upset with her husband's inattentiveness, and longing to experience the Continental nightlife, gradually succumbs to the flirtations of an elegant and charming "Count" -- who, in actuality, is merely a Russian military officer out to seduce her. As events come tumbling to a disastrous conclusion, the woman learns a valuable lesson about the meaning of true nobility, and the difference between appearance and reality.
Film Notes
"Foolish Wives" furthered Erich von Stroheim's reputation as a profligate director, who squandered the studio's money; the film cost $1,103,736.38, making it the most expensive movie ever made at the time. Von Stroheim insisted on literally recreating the Monte Carlo atmosphere, with lavish and faithful sets, and 1500 extras -- an insistence that made for a truly breathtaking visual experience. Its American release, according to Variety, ran for 180 minutes, but a print distributed in Latin America had a running time of 6 hours, 48 minutes.
In addition, von Stroheim's sophistication about sexual matters came across as sordid to Americans, who were less open about the subject that their European counterparts.
Kino Video's print was remastered from a 35mm archive print that was restored in 1972 by Professor Arthur Lennig of State University of New York at Albany and the American Film Institute. It features an original piano score by Steve Sterner.
Industry Reviews
"...This silent Erich Von Stroheim extravaganza is a treat..."
USA Today - Mike Clark (01/25/1992)
"...Novelistically rich..."
Entertainment Weekly - Tim Purtell (06/20/2003)
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