Foolish Wives (1922) Film screening with live accompaniment

A trio of Russian con artists take a luxurious villa above Monte Carlo to prey on wealthy marks in this European playground of post-war decadence. Erich von Stroheim (in the monocled role that solidified him as ‘the man you love to hate’) stars as the fraudulent Count Karazmin, who targets moneyed women to blackmail with the help of ‘cousins’ Mae Busch and Maude George. The opulent sets – with the California coast standing in for Monaco – shine in this glorious new restoration.

Brand new restoration by MoMA and San Francisco Silent Film Festival with live accompaniment by Meg Morley.

Director: Erich von Stroheim
Stars: Erich von Stroheim, Miss DuPont, Maude George, Mae Busch
PG / USA / 147 mins

Foolish Wives is part of Bristol Ideas’ 2022 series Modernism1922 which explores the worlds of film, literature, music, politics and more 100 years ago. It is run as a tribute to Kevin Jackson. His book, Constellation of Genius: 1922: Modernism and All That Jazz, tells the story of that remarkable year.

Meg Morley is an Australian-born pianist, composer and improviser who creates music within diverse artistic genres (silent film, contemporary dance and ballet, solo piano, contemporary jazz ensembles and electronic music). Classically trained from the age of two, she has worked extensively with various dance companies (English National Ballet, Rambert Company, Matthew Bourne and Pina Bausch) and performs and composes for international silent film festivals, institutions and film organisations (Il Cinema Ritrovato, British Film Institute, Flatpack Festival, Nederlands Silent Film Festival and South West Silents).

Booking Information

Please stay home if you’re experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 (these are listed on the NHS website) or if you’ve recently been in contact with someone who has the virus. 

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CONCESSIONS apply to Full Time Students, Job Seekers Allowance, Incapacity Benefit claimants, over 60s and disabled people. The PARTNER RATE is for staff, students or members at the following organisations: Arts Council England, Bristol City Council, Business West, University of Bristol and UWE. Please note that you will be asked of proof for your eligibility of a concession or partner rate ticket. No refunds/exchanges are possible for tickets already purchased at the higher price.

One free carer ticket can be provided for each paying disabled visitor, please contact us before booking to arrange.

We only refund tickets if the event is cancelled. If the event online has to move online your ticket is automatically transferred or you can request a refund. Events start punctually and, out of consideration to other audience members and speakers, our policy is not to admit or issue refunds to latecomers. Full Terms and Conditions here.

Accessibility

One free carer ticket can be provided for each paying disabled visitor, please contact us before booking to arrange.

• Within Arnolfini there are lifts to all floors and level access to all public spaces.
• There are two designated Blue Badge parking spaces within easy reach of Arnolfini in the Mud Dock City Docks car park, accessed via The Grove Car Park. There are also five spaces in The Grove Car Park. Parking in the accessible blue badge spaces are free, and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• There are toilets for public use.
• Guide and assistance dogs are welcome.

More information about Arnolfini can be found on Arnolfini’s website and on AccessAble.