Foolish Wives (Universal, 1922). Fine on Linen. One Sheet (26.5" X 40").. ...

Description

Foolish Wives (Universal, 1922). Fine on Linen. One Sheet (26.5" X 40").
In only his third directorial feature, Erich von Stroheim stars as an unscrupulous fake Russian count who seduces rich women and extorts money from them in order to support his own elaborate lifestyle. Foolish Wives cemented his reputation for strict attention to detail, a massive amount of footage shot, and astronomical production costs. Universal owner Carl Laemmle knew that Von Stroheim would do all he could to overspend his $250,000 budget. Laemmle tried to reign in the spending by having the film shot entirely on Universal's back lots, but Von Stroheim meticulously recreated large parts of Monaco on the backlot, and the final cost ballooned to over $1 million. But, in a classic case of "turning lemons into lemonade," Laemmle had his publicity department advertise the film as "the first real million dollar picture," making it sound like Von Stroheim's wild over-spending was intentional. The public responded to this publicity and the movie itself with enthusiasm, making Foolish Wives one of the most successful films of 1922. This poster featuring the cunning Stroheim is believed to the only known copy, and movie paper of any kind from this title is beyond rare. Prior to restoration, the poster exhibited some chips, tears, and minor stains. The outside edge of each corner has been replaced and the lower border was airbrushed. Touchup was applied to chips, tears, and to the "S" in "Wives." Offered only once before by Heritage, this remarkable one sheet would be a crown jewel in any collection.


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