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
