The Orgy that Never Was - The Merry Widow (1928) Erich von Stroheim - Francois scene

"Weeping violins and joyous cymbals... the walls are thick... the carpets muffle sound... and Francoiz is Discreet." (What remains of) the Francois club scene -- If only Erich von Stroheim could have his way with the producers and censors...

The Merry Widow is a 1925 American silent romantic drama/black comedy film directed and written by Erich von Stroheim. Released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the film stars Mae Murray, John Gilbert, Roy D'Arcy, and Tully Marshall, with pre-fame uncredited appearances by Joan Crawford and Clark Gable. The film is based on the Franz Lehár's 1905 operetta of the same name,