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Customer Reviews of A Fool There Was

A 1915 "Psychological Drama" as good as any!
This film's own introduction as a psychological drama says it all as far as I'm concerned. It depicts very powerfully how some men easily fall victim to being manipulated and dominated by emotionally disturbed women to the point of committing suicide or becoming alcoholic, and anyone with some life and people experience will recognize these things which happen around us all too often. I found that the frequent scenes of the "fool's" wife and playful small child (which some think were superfluous) showed poignantly what he had sacrificed and lost, and the ending was equally heart-wrenching. For anyone who appreciates true psychological drama about real-life situations and understands them well, this old film will not disappoint, despite some poor picture quality at times. Another interesting aspect is this window into the past showing people's manner and behaviour nearly a century ago, and also showing that psychological problems were perhaps better understood in the past than we realize. However, for those who didn't understand, the special features on this DVD explain how Theda Bara's image was 'created' in order to attract viewers and put the focus on her - something that hasn't changed in Hollywood over the century! So whether you like the psychological angle or the allurement of Theda Bara, this movie is still well worth watching.

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One from the vaults
It would be a major stretch to describe "A Fool There Was" as a good film, but for all sorts of reasons it remains full of interest. The plot is utter nonsense, some garbage about an evil woman who has nothing better to do than destroy the lives of wealthy men. Exactly how she achieves this is never made clear, but apparently arching the back and flaring the nostrils was carried some clout in 1915.

We shouldn't get too superior about it though. The public for whom this movie was made was by no means as naive as we might like to think. The film was camp then, just as it is now, though they probably had a different word for it. It was clearly a less permissive society. What passed for "sin" isn't at all recognisable as such today. And in fact as a primary source you couldn't find a better social commentary than "A Fool There Was". For instance it is interesting that a conspicuous display of feminine ambition and sexuality had automatically to be branded "evil" - it would take decades for this perception to be reversed.

Much of the focus will be on Theda Bara. With so little of her output available for viewing today its unfortunate to have to say that this is far from representative. What is clear is that she was a credible actor - not immediately apparent from her still photographs - capable of restraint as well as frenzy. Her fame is much easier to understand when she is actually seen in action. She has considerable poise and presence and when well lit and photographed is surprisingly beautiful.

The DVD issue is exceptionally well presented - the menus are imaginative and atmospheric, the extras well chosen and interesting. The print is variable; here and there it is mottled and jittery, but more often the image is crisp and sharp and revelatory for those of us who know the film solely from pirated VHS copies. An appropriate music score is also a huge advantage.

In all, an unexpectedly compelling and thought provoking film, if not always for the reasons that were intended. And if you are disposed towards silent movies, a compulsory addition to the collection.

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The Original Vampire
"A Fool There Was" is based upon a stage play dealing with the subject of forbidden desires. I agree with the other reviews that Theda Bara (in her film debut) is the reason to watch this film. The film has been lovingly restored (having some cracking in places) with original tints and the overall quality is excellent. The piano score is perfect for the film.

As one would expect, the acting in this 1915 feature is old-fashioned. People endlessly shake hands on meeting and parting. Perhaps this is a reflection of the polite manners of the time but after several scenes with this kind of repetition it was laughable. "A Fool There Was" has the flavor of a social commentary with overtones of forbidden sex. Lust is something to be avoided; else you fall into the snares of female vampires. By our standards today, the film stretches credulity. John Schuyler, Theda Bara's principle victim, presents quite a contrast. First, he is an upright family man and is selected as an ambassador to Great Britain. On meeting the vamp, he descends into a drunken ruin. How the vamp gains control over Schuyler is not told (missing footage?) and is a done deal. John Schyler's wife is a martyr, who suffers from her husband's fall but is powerless to do anything.

Theda Bara's vampire character exudes a hypnotic influence over everyone. The men under her power are utterly helpless in her presence, lending her a supernatural aspect. Even when the wife and a family friend come to reclaim the errant husband and father, they cower in the presence of the vamp and Schuyler becomes a jelly. One might expect the vamp to get her just deserts but she remains victorious. Perhaps this serves as a further warning that the vamp remains on the loose.

The film is fun as a social history and for Bara's performance, one of the few remaining. Anyone who loves the silent cinema will want a copy.