Watch Blind Husbands

Blind Husbands, released in 1919, is a silent film directed by Erich von Stroheim, who also stars as one of the main characters. The film is a psychological drama that takes place in the picturesque Austrian Alps. The story revolves around an American doctor, Robert Armstrong (played by Sam De Grasse), and his wife Margaret (played by Francelia Billington), who are on vacation in the Alps. They befriend their neighbor, Lieutenant Erich von Steuben (played by Erich von Stroheim), a dashing and charming officer in the Austro-Hungarian Army. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that there is something sinister beneath von Steuben's exterior.

Von Steuben is a self-absorbed and manipulative character who sets his sights on seducing Margaret. He plays on her loneliness and dissatisfaction with her husband, gradually putting a wedge between the couple. Robert becomes increasingly disturbed by von Steuben's behavior and his own inability to stop it. As the tension between the three characters grows, the film employs various cinematic techniques to convey their inner thoughts and emotions.

Blind Husbands is a fascinating exploration of human psychology, focusing on themes of jealousy, desire, and deception. Von Stroheim's direction is impeccably crafted, using visual metaphors and symbolism to enhance the narrative. The austere and imposing landscape of the Alps is used as a backdrop for the characters' inner turmoil, symbolizing the contrasting aspects of desire and repression that drive them.

The performances of the three main actors are all excellent, particularly von Stroheim's performance as the sinister Lieutenant von Steuben. His character perfectly embodies the inner duality of human nature, portraying both the charming suitor and the manipulative schemer. De Grasse and Billington also give strong performances, drawing the audience into their characters' emotional turmoil and conflict.

The film's production values are also noteworthy, with impressive set design and cinematography for the time. Von Stroheim's attention to detail in capturing the customs of Austro-Hungarian society is especially notable. The film's elaborate costumes and set pieces are a testament to the director's meticulousness and dedication to his craft.

Blind Husbands was a critical and commercial success upon its release, with many praising von Stroheim's directorial debut. The film remains an important piece of cinema history, and a touchstone for exploring the themes of psychological drama and the darker aspects of human desire. Its influence can be seen in later works of cinema such as Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo and Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut.

Overall, Blind Husbands is a must-see for cinephiles and fans of psychological drama. It is a masterfully crafted film that captures the complexity of human relationships and the darkness that can lurk beneath their surface.

Blind Husbands is a 1919 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.