# Foolish Wives

Carl Laemmle Presents Foolish Wives
Story and Scenario Erich Von Stroheim
A Universal ProductionCopyright, MCMXXII, by Universal Pictures Corporation, Carl Laemmle, Pres.
Photographed by Ben Reynolds William Daniels
Assistant Directors Edward A. Sowders Jack R. Proctor
Architects Elmer Sheely Capt. Richard Day
Film Editor Arthur Ripley
Titles Marian Ainslee Walter Anthony
Cast
Monte Carlo, Europe's playground——irresponsible and gay as ever when the Armistice was signed.
The Villa Amorosa—secluded, yet within easy reach of Monte Carlo—leased for the season by three members of the Russian aristocracy.
Villa Amorosa X1420
Her Highness, the Princess Olga Petchnikoff.
The Princess, Vera Petchnikoff.
Their cousin, His Excellency Captain Count Vladislaw Sergius Karamzin.
His "eyeopener," oxblood.
His "cereal", caviar.
"Apropos—Ventucci is coming this afternoon with twenty of the thousand franc notes. He says we can have more in a few days—"
"Mon dieu, how I wish those notes were real!"
"And I also, you don't know how it distresses me to do this sort of thing, I—a Karamzin."
"Signor Ventucci and his daughter."
"Do not fear—Ventucci is an artist—they will pass anywhere!"
"Monte Carlo at last—isn't it wonderful!"
Le Petit Monégasque
de Manaco, de Nice et du Littoral
Nos Echos
Diplomatic Mission
On board the U.S. Cruiser "Salem" which anchors today in the Bay of Monaco, are Mr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Hughes. Mr. Hughes is Commissioner Plenipotentiary of The United States to H.S.S. Prince of Monaco, to whom he will hand his credentials today.
"Our position here, Sergius, is none too secure. To be friends with those important Americans and to be seen with them—would quiet any possible suspicion as to our identity—"
"—to be accepted by them would reassure the people we now know—and to prevent others from becoming inquisitive—at least until we can make a big winning and get away."
"With your ability, my dear Sergius, you should not find it difficult to make the acquaintance of Mr. Hughes—"
"At twelve Mr. Hughes has an audience with the Prince—and Mrs. Hughes will be—alone."
"You have always found it so easy to make the acquaintance of—lonely ladies—haven't you, Sergius?"
"But don't forget that this is business."
"You know, cousins, I have always had a weakness for American women—"
"—I think I shall enjoy this undertaking!"
Monte Carlo!
Brine of the Mediterranean——Breeze from Alpine Snows——Roulette——Trente-et-Quarante——Ecarte—Mondaine—Cocotta——Kings and Crooks——Amoura! Amoura!——And Suicides——And waves—and waves—and waves!
"I'll be right down."
"It's the Secretary of State—"
The Palace of Monaco—
Hôtel de Paris
"I want you to page me out on the terrace—the louder, the better!"
Comte Wladislaw Sergius Karamzin Capitaine, 3e Dragons, Imper.
Petrograd
"Count Wladislaw Sergius Karamzin!"
"Count Wladislaw Sergius Karamzin!"
"I'll give him an audience at two o'clock."
"We were very happy to hear in Paris of your husband's appointment—"
His Serene Highness—The Prince of Monaco.
"Your husband will never forgive us for having introduced this notorious heartbreaker—his reputation is international."
"I hope Mr. Hughes' business affairs will detain him——indefinitely."
Hôtel de Paris
Foolish Wives by Erich von Stroheim
Chapter VII. Titles and Society.
Could anything be more full of charm for a young wife than to embark on the ocean of social events under the guidance of an aristocratic husband?
The assurance of his manners, his delicate tact, supplemented by a sounding title, opens every door, every salon and every most exclusive circle; no wonder, then, that the Wall Street heiress, the daughter of Fifth Avenue, or the pecunious widow of the steel magnate, all of them eagerly gravitate towards him.
The best proof of this assertion is the large number of American wives of noblemen to be found at London and Paris, at Berlin and Rome, or any other capital of Europe and in the more exclusive circles to which they
To the average American, written or unwritten codes of honor and etiquette are unessential, as, in his tiresome chase after the dollar, he has no time to cultivate that, for which the European mainly lives. In his battle of wits fought for commercial superiority the fatigued body forgets sometimes to react even to the most primitive and fundamental laws of politeness.
"Very good—"
"This is the first time, Madame—that you are here?"
"It is a dangerous place for strangers—so many hungry sharks lying in wait to get hold of one's money—"
"If you, Madame, and your husband, will permit me—I shall be happy to play the kind protector—I have been here and know the ins and outs quite well."
Again morning—sun-draped terrace—Sapphire sea—all the world on a holiday—Rifle Fire—Brooding doves—Brutality of man—and still the sun.
—And Night—Voluptuous—Sensuous—Erotic—The Great Procuress of the World!
"Where did you get the decorations?"
"You mean the orchids? Count Karamzin sent them up. It was very thoughtful of him, wasn't it?"
"He'd better save his money—he might need it!"
The 'Barcarolle'—Perfume of Night—Murmur of Water—Whispers—Sighs—and Kisses—
"The boats are small—I trust you'll find my cousins congenial."
"Your husband seems a little piqued tonight—did he mind the flowers?"
"Oh, no—that's just his way. Andrew is so thoughtless about such things—and like most husbands he doesn't like to be reminded of it."
"Yes—husbands are stupid; with them a woman won is a woman secure—"
"But Andrew means well—and underneath it all he really loves me—"
"Why shouldn't he? That's nothing to his credit—"
12:15 AM
"You had a pretty good time tonight—eh?"
"Yes,—you don't like the Count much, do you?"
"I—certainly—why not? What makes you think I don't?"
"Because you act that way."
"I think the Count is an unusually interesting man—"
"—and please, Andrew, don't try to choose my friends for me—remember—I'm free—white—and twenty-one!"
"Well, I'm married—sunburned—and forty-one—"
"But—my eyes are pretty good yet!"
The Count had permitted his "cousin" to suggest the Hôtel des Rêves as the first point of interest to be visited.
Woman's Vanity—Flattery—Subtle—Insistent—Busy Husbands—Idle—Foolish—Wives.
"The country here is very charming—Would you like to walk a little—"
"If you two would like it, don't mind me—I shall enjoy sitting here quietly."
"Don't go far and, don't lose yourselves. It looks as if it might rain."
The Count knew the country so well, he was soon able to get himself——"hopelessly lost!"
For hours the storm had kept Olga prisoner at the Hôtel des Rêves.
8:00 PM
Comte Wladiswaw Sergius Karamzin
Everything is going well. We are hopelessly lost, but will stay at Mother Garoupe's tonight.
"Your wife is safe with us at the Hôtel des Rêves. The storm has washed roads and bridges away—"
—Dense Marshes—Slimy—Sombrous—Betraying—Then—Night.
"We must leave in spite of the storm—my husband will be worried."
"I'll have to be firm—your foot needs complete rest—besides, it would be impossible to find our way in the storm"
"Promise me you'll not worry about your husband—and try to sleep—"
"Pardon—I saw your light. I have lost my way and must beg shelter."
Just before daybreak—
The Hôtel des Rêves.
"You poor dear—I'm so sorry this had to happen—"
"—and in spite of the fact that I hate lies,—if your husband becomes too inquisitive, I think you had better tell him that we all spent the night at the Inn—"
"And did Sergius behave himself?"
"And has Mother Garoupe's 'hotel' improved its accommodations, my dear friend?"
"I hope, in your zeal for the chase, you'll not forget it's the money, not the woman, we want."
10:45 AM
"Thanks for having Princess Olga phone me last night."
"I knew you would worry, my dear."
"Send for my breakfast, please."
"Are you reading that fool book through again?"
"I may."
"Your Excellency, when are you going to keep your promise to marry me?"
A section in Monte Carlo where the losers in Life's game abide.
"She is not well—the head again—my poor carrissima, since her mother went to heaven, she has only me to care for her—"
"Pater miserecoro et dens titius, consolationes have porvalum infirman a lecto sigritudimus erigore."
"Father of mercies and God of all consolations, rise up this little child from her bed of sickness—"
"She is my one treasure, Signor. And if anyone should harm her—"
"Please, your Excellency, you did mean it——when you promised to marry me?"
"Certainly, my dear. But, as you know, my estates in Russia are still unsettled."
"I am now absolutely without funds, Marushka—on the charity of my cousins."
"Marushka, how long have you been serving?"
"I began service when I was but twelve—twenty years ago."
"You have been a frugal girl, I hope, Marushka?"
"I am sure you have a tidy fortune put away."
"Not much, your Excellency—only about two thousand francs."
"But even so small a sum might save me now——I, who have given all to my country."
Evening—restful—cool—caressing—lamps glowing—exquisite limbs—in high-heeled slippers—frou-frou of satin—muted violins—"con amore."—and auto horns—and clattering horses hoofs—
"Hell's Paradise."
Salon de Roulette—the sound of rakes on green cloth—and chips on chips—rustling paper money—
"Faites vos joux, Mesdames et Messieurs."
"Make your play, ladies and gentlemen."
"Fortune is with you tonight. She is a fickle goddess—I am afraid I have lost her favor."
"Why, what is wrong?"
"I cannot tell you now—perhaps later—"
"Why don't you make the most of your luck—and dare a coup worth while—"
"And lose all this?—"
"No—win a hundred thousand francs. To me this means life—"
"But sometimes it means death."
"Messieurs, faites vos jeux!"
"I'm not going to let you forget, Princess Olga, that you promised me some poker tonight—I haven't had a game since I left home—"
"Indeed, I have not forgotten—on Fridays we have a small casino of our own, for the amusement of our friends—and we are counting upon the presence of yourself and Mrs. Hughes—"
"Please—you must excuse me—I've such a headache. But Andrew must go—just drop me at the hotel first—"
"A new system to break the bank, Count?"
"No—I am writing a love letter to your wife."
"Do you want me to play the postman?"
"No, thank you. I'll give it to her when you're not looking."
Comte Wladiswaw Sergius Karamzin
My life + honor are at stake!
You can save me!
Come to the villa tonight, I will wait for you at the gate.
Your unhappy, Sergius
At the casino in the Villa Amorosa, guests lost good money and won Ventucci's nice looking bank notes.
Preparing to stroke the white doe—Brass buttons were strong magic.
"Open the tower room, Maruschka, and place refreshments. I expect a guest."
"Is it a lady, your Excellency?"
204
"I'm so sorry. Can you forgive me?"
"I've had a most delightful evening Princess—and now I'll be going—"
"Oh—must you—so early."
"I'm afraid I must, your Highness—you know my wife wasn't feeling well, and I don't want to leave her alone.—"
"You will see that no one disturbs me—be so good—"
"That it should come to this—"
"—to be compelled to ask help of a woman!"
"If it were only my life at stake, I would not mind—"
"But the honor of my name—"
"—my father's name—"
"Is there anything I can do? Please tell me—I'd gladly help you—because I know how brave and sincere you are—"
"No—I can't tell you—"
"By tomorrow morning I must have ninety thousand francs—a debt of honor that must be paid either with money or with blood—"
"But I have given all to my country—and now that I need—I have not."
"I place my life in your hands—"
"I'm so proud that you consider me worthy of your confidence, Count Karamzin."
En cas de sinistre
En Brisant La Glace La Porte S'ouvre
"You were supposed to compromise her, but you didn't have to call out the fire department!"
"Nothing serious—a severe shock and some slight burns—"
Comte Sergius Karamzin
My life + honor are at stake!
You can save me!
Come to the villa tonight, I will wait for you at the gate.
Your unhappy, Sergius
"It was rather an embarrassing situation—you see Mrs. Hughes hadn't the courage to jump and as an officer and a gentleman, I had to jump first, to show her—"
"Take off that monocle!"
"Go to hell!"
"As an officer and a gentleman, I demand an apology!"
"Officer and gentleman hell. You're not even a man!"
"And the quicker you and your two dear 'cousins' get out of Monte Carlo, the better!"
Three hours after midnight—the Villa Amorosa silent and in darkness—
"Do you realize what you are doing? It will cost you your career—I am Princess Olga Petchnikoff!"
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Foolish Wives by Erich von Stroheim
And thus it happened that disillusionment came finally to a foolish wife, who found in her own husband the nobility she had sought for in—a counterfeit.
The End
This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published before January 1, 1929.
Copyright law abroad tends to consider the following people authors of a film:
* The principal director
* The screenwriter, and/or other writers of dialogue
* The composer/lyricist (if the film is accompanied by sound)
* The cinematographer
* By extension, the authors of any works that may serve as the basis for a film's plot
The longest-living of these authors died in 1970, so this work is in the public domain in countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 53 years or less. This work may be in the public domain in countries and areas with longer native copyright terms that apply the rule of the shorter term to foreign works.
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