With its mad grandeur, seething bitterness, and vengeful unmasking, Stroheim’s enterprise reflects his own vertiginous arc of experience, from fin-de-siècle Vienna and Ellis Island to the fleshpots of boomtown Hollywood.

Behold, likewise, the rascal impersonated by Mr. von Stroheim, in his oiliest and most persuasive manner.

The sets, together with a thoroughly capable cast, are about all the picture has for all the heavy dough expended.

No one is spared in this fascinating and frequently lurid silent feature.