Must-Watch List in the Vein of '49-'17: Cult Guide

Dir: Ruth Ann Baldwin

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of '49-'17 perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Underpaid children's librarian Phyllis Narcissa, happily accepts a dinner invitation from Horace de Guenther, one of her patrons, and happily entertains his invalid wife. Later, Mrs. de Guenther encourages Phyllis to meet with Mrs. Harrington, a dying rich woman whose son Allan, once a vigorous young man, was paralyzed in an auto accident. When Mrs. Harrington proposes to the librarian that she marry and take care of Allan in exchange for his wealth, Phyllis reluctantly consents. While struggling to cheer up the eternally downcast Allan, Phyllis welcomes the visits of his friend, a doctor who informs her that her husband's paralysis may be psychosomatic. After Allan witnesses the joy that playing tennis with the doctor brings Phyllis, he insists that the marriage be annulled. That night, however, a burglar breaks into the house and begins to attack Phyllis. In a panic, Allan leaps from his bed and tackles the intruder. Liberated from his wheelchair, Allan finally admits his love for Phyllis.