Deep Archive Finds Movies That Echo the Spirit of Hearts and Flowers: Cult Guide

Dir: Howard S. Moss

A cracked-brain chemist, appropriately named A. Knutt, in a big toy factory, claims the discovery of an elixir which will bring dolls to life. Ruby, the beautiful daughter of the toy king, overcome by the fumes of the fluid while the chemist is out summoning others to witness the work of his discovery. A doll the chemist has given life to seizes the elixir and pours it on Ruby. She is changed into a doll. Together the two leave the shop. The chemist, the toy king and Ruby's fiancé rush into the place and are horrified to find Ruby missing. They summon the police and a search is instituted. Meanwhile, the dolls journey to the display room of the factory, and with more elixir, bring a doll justice of the peace to life. He marries them and they speed off in a miniature automobile. After the honeymoon trip they select the kennel of Sherlock, the watchdog, as their home. The dog likes the dolls and keeps them supplied with food. Then, one evening, while strolling through the plant, they discover a bomb set by striking workingmen to destroy the building. The dolls realize their peril but it is too late to escape. The bomb explodes and Ruby comes to life. She is puzzled, then realizes that all was simply a dream, inspired by the ravings of the cracked-brain chemist.

Dir: Reggie Morris

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Striking Models perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

Dir: Colin Campbell

Although separated at birth, Siamese twins Fabien and Louis de Franchi remain united emotionally. One day, Parisian Emilie de Lesparre arrives in their Corsican village with her father, and both brothers fall in love with her. Louis goes to Paris to study law and sees Emilie often, but Emilie loves Fabien who has remained in Corsica with their mother. While attending a dinner given by another admirer of Emilie's, M. Chateau Renaud, Louis is drawn into a duel with Renaud and killed. Back home, Fabien senses what has happened and journeys to Paris to avenge his brother's death. After he kills Renaud in a duel, Emilie finally confesses her love to Fabien.

Dir: Unknown Director

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of The Corsican Brothers perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

Dir: J. Gordon Edwards

William Farnum is Drag Harlan, a tough cowboy vigilante. After learning about a gold mine from a dying man, he seeks his daughter (Jackie Saunders) as well as the gold. He falls in love with her, but the same gang that shot the old man is after the gold.

Dir: Ralph Ince

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Trail of the Rails perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

Dir: Maurice Elvey

A lady marries a horse trainer but withholds herself until her crippled brother is cured.

Dir: Unknown Director

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Drag Harlan perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

The Judge needs a present for his wife's birthday, so Harry suggests a new corset. They go to the shop, but he's so embarrassed to ask the saleslady he hides in a phone booth.Harry goes in, but finds a GUY wearing one, and runs out.They both dress as women to get back in, but Mrs. Rummy gets there and chases him out.

Dir: Richard Smith

Two female candidates for Chief of Police live across the hall from each other, and their political rivalry follows them home, leading to plenty of hi-jinks.

Dir: Edgar Jones

A mail-order bride arrives at a Maine lumber camp but doesn't like her prospective husband.