A Fool There Was (1915)A married diplomat falls hopelessly under the spell of a predatory woman. Writer:Porter Emerson Browne (by) |
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A Fool There Was (1915)A married diplomat falls hopelessly under the spell of a predatory woman. Writer:Porter Emerson Browne (by) |
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| Theda Bara | ... | ||
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Mabel Frenyear | ... |
Mrs. Kate Schuyler - the Fool's Wife
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Edward José | ... |
John Schuyler - the Fool
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May Allison | ... |
The Wife's Sister
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Runa Hodges | ... |
The Child
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Clifford Bruce | ... |
Tom - the Friend
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Victor Benoit | ... |
Reginal Parmalee - a Victim
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Minna Gale | ... |
The Doctor's Fiancee
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Frank Powell | ... |
The Doctor
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Creighton Hale | ... |
Minor Role
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John Schuyler, happily married Wall Street lawyer, is appointed as special diplomatic representative to England. By an unhappy accident, his wife and child can't come along; but on the ship with him is "The Vampire," a "notorious woman" who lives off a succession of men she has seduced and ruined. Slighted by Mrs. Schuyler, she has set her sights on the husband. Two months later, we find the Fool languishing with the mistress who has him enmeshed in her toils. Will he follow the others to the depths of degradation? Written by Rod Crawford <puffinus@u.washington.edu>
Exotic seductress Theda Bara (as "The Vampire") learns happily married Edward Jose (as John Schuyler) will be sailing for Europe on a business trip. Deciding to entrap the wealthy man, Ms. Bara secures herself on board his ship. When Mr. Jose's sister-in-law May Allison falls to illness, wife Mabel Frenyear (as Kate) decides to stay home with cute little Runa Hodges. On board, this gives Bara free reign over Jose. A glimpse at Bara's bare ankles fills him with desire, and he succumbs to her wiles. The month-long trip doubles in length. Apparently, Jose is addicted to the sex and drugs provided by Bara. She may destroy his life
This film was "inspired" by Rudyard Kipling's poem "The Vampire" (1897), which could conceivably be about what we now call a "vampire". But, the word has a different meaning; here, "The Vampire" (or "vamp") was a female who possessed an irresistible sexual command. Allegorically, it's all about sex; however, "A Fool There Was" is unimaginative in that regard. Nevertheless, this stilted sex drama introduced someone new, and was a big critical and commercial success. Bara became a major movie star, appearing in the lower half of the "Top Ten" lists in "Motion Picture Magazine" and "Quigley Publications" from 1916-1921.
**** A Fool There Was (1/12/15) Frank Powell ~ Theda Bara, Edward Jose, Mabel Frenyear, May Allison