Foolish Wives (1922)

Erich von Stroheim: Count Sergius Karamzin - Capt. 3rd Hussars Imper. Russian Army

Photos 

Quotes 

• Count Sergius Karamzin - Capt. 3rd Hussars Imper. Russian Army : Yes-husbands are stupid; with them a woman won is a woman secure...

• Princess Olga Petchnikoff : Apropos - Ventucci is coming this afternoon with twenty of the thousand franc notes. He says we can have more in a few days...

  Princess Vera Petchnikoff : Mon dieu, how I wish those notes were real!

  Count Sergius Karamzin - Capt. 3rd Hussars Imper. Russian Army : And I also. You don't know how it distresses me to do this sort of thing. I - a Karamzin.

• Count Sergius Karamzin - Capt. 3rd Hussars Imper. Russian Army : You know, cousins, I have always had a weakness for American women - I think I shall enjoy this undertaking!

• Count Sergius Karamzin - Capt. 3rd Hussars Imper. Russian Army : [addressing Helen Hughes, the ambassador's wife]  This is the first time, Madame - that you are here?

  Count Sergius Karamzin - Capt. 3rd Hussars Imper. Russian Army : [continues]  It is a dangerous place for strangers - so many hungry sharks lying in wait to get hold of one's money - If you, Madame, and your husband, will permit me - I shall be happy to play the kind protector - I have been here and know the ins and outs quite well.

• Count Sergius Karamzin - Capt. 3rd Hussars Imper. Russian Army : Your husband seems a little piqued tonight - did he mind the flowers?

  Helen Hughes : Oh, no - that's just his way. Andrew is so thoughtless about such things - and like most husbands he doesn't like to be reminded of it.

  Count Sergius Karamzin - Capt. 3rd Hussars Imper. Russian Army : Yes - husbands are stupid: with them a woman won is a woman secure.

• Maruschka : Please, your Excellency, you *did* mean it - when you promised to marry me?

  Count Sergius Karamzin - Capt. 3rd Hussars Imper. Russian Army : Certainly, my dear. But, as you know, my estates in Russia are still unsettled. I am absolutely without funds, Marushka - on the charity of my cousins.

• Count Sergius Karamzin - Capt. 3rd Hussars Imper. Russian Army : [addressing Helen Hughes, who is at the roulette table - and winning]  Fortune is with you tonight. She is a fickle goddess - I am afraid I have lost her favor.

• Count Sergius Karamzin - Capt. 3rd Hussars Imper. Russian Army : That it should come to this - to be compelled to ask help of a woman! If it were only my life at stake, I would not mind. But the honor of my name - my father's name...

  Helen Hughes : Is there anything I can do? Please tell me - I'd gladly help you - because I know how brave and sincere you are.

  Count Sergius Karamzin - Capt. 3rd Hussars Imper. Russian Army : By tomorrow morning I must have ninety thousand francs - a debt of honor that must be paid either with money or with blood... But I have given all to my country - and now that I need - I have not.

  Count Sergius Karamzin - Capt. 3rd Hussars Imper. Russian Army : I place my life in your hands.

• Count Sergius Karamzin - Capt. 3rd Hussars Imper. Russian Army : [trying to explain away his not-so-gallant actions he undertook while escaping the fire]  It was a rather embarrassing situation - you see Mrs. Hughes hadn't the courage to jump and as an officer and a gentleman, I had to jump first, to show her...

• Count Sergius Karamzin - Capt. 3rd Hussars Imper. Russian Army : [Ambassador Hughes has punched Karamzin in the face and knocked him to the ground]  As an officer and a gentleman, I demand an apology!

  Andrew J. Hughes - U.S. Special-Envoy to Monaco : Officer and gentleman hell. You're not even a MAN!

  Andrew J. Hughes - U.S. Special-Envoy to Monaco : And the quicker you and your two dear "cousins" get out of Monte Carlo, the better!