Foolish Wives (1922)

In the glamorous aftermath of WWI, Monte Carlo becomes the playground for the cunning Russian émigré known as "Count" Karanzim. Posing as an aristocratic count, he leases a luxurious villa on the sun-soaked coast, aided by two of his enchanting mistresses masquerading as his cousins. Driven by their insatiable greed, they weave a web of deception and counterfeit money, ensnaring unsuspecting citizens and beguiling wealthy women with the Count's irresistible charm and faux military prowess. Their scheme takes a thrilling turn when they cross paths with the American ambassador and his naïve wife, Mrs. Hughes. She, longing for a taste of excitement in the midst of Monte Carlo's glittering high society, becomes the perfect target for the Count's seductive machinations. He spins a tale of woe, claiming the desperate need for 90,000 francs, a story that Mrs. Hughes falls for, hook, line, and sinker. However, as the Count's games of deceit and seduction escalate, the villa's maid, fueled by jealousy, sets the magnificent house ablaze. The Count and Mrs. Hughes narrowly escape the roaring inferno, but the Count finds that he cannot escape the fiery justice he so rightfully deserves. "Foolish Wives" is a captivating tale of intrigue, deception, and lust set against the backdrop of Monte Carlo's ravishing splendor, where not all that glitters is gold.

Foolish Wives is a drama movie featuring Erich von Stroheim.

Foolish Wives is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and Public Domain Movies and it's also available on MUBI and MUBI Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Foolish Wives on Kino Now.