A World of Folly

Helene Blair is the wife of a prominent businessman who neglects to give her much attention. He is thoroughly engrossed in business affairs. A day comes when she meets Duke Tremaine, clubman, man-about-town, and social parasite. And taking advantage of her husband's absence he attempts to assert his personality upon her impressionable heart. The result is society starts to gossip with the husband the last to learn of the affair. He loses faith in his wife for a time, but she shows herself eventually as completely misunderstood. After a brief separation Blair learns that Helene is above reproach. So a reconciliation takes place, but not until the trespasser is punished.

Directed by Frank Beal, A World of Folly leans on a strong ensemble — Vivian Rich, Philo McCullough, Augustus Phillips — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1920.