Hand-Picked Alternatives for Fans of Roman Candles: Cult Guide

Dir: William Parke

Bruce Wendell, the son of West Virginia coal mine owner James Wendell, graduates from West Point and prepares to lead a fighting unit to the front during World War I. As his father lies dying, however, he convinces Bruce to remain at home and guard the mine. Bruce's fiancée Ann Blair assumes that he is a coward and breaks off their engagement, but her brother Bobbie remains Bruce's loyal friend. Meyer, a German agent, persuades railroad president Parrish to refuse to transport Wendell's coal, but when Bruce adamantly refuses to close the mine, the spy's men decide to blow it up. While Ann is being abducted by Meyer, Bobbie is buried in an explosion at the mine. Bruce rescues Bobbie and then sends a plea to Lieutenant Parrish to rescue Ann. Meyer and his gang are captured and Ann renews her vow of love to Bruce.

Dir: Richard Smith

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Lunatics in Politics perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

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: Wilfred Lucas

Brian O'Farrell (Snowy Baker), is an English 'new chum' who takes a job at an Australian cattle station. He is teased by station hands because of his appearance (including spats and a monocle) but he soon impresses them with his skills at riding and boxing. The station manager, John MacDonald (Wilfred Lucas), takes O'Farrell to Sydney to meet his daughter Edith (Kathleen Key) who is working in the slums. Edith is kidnapped by criminals after witnessing a crime but O'Farrell rescues her. It is later revealed he is the owner of the station.

Dir: Jack Pratt

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

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

Dir: Jack Pratt

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

Dir: Unknown Director

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Love's Toll 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: Jack Pratt

When George Estey dies just after completing an important invention, his friend, John Miller, steals the plans and makes a fortune selling them. Then, stricken by a guilty conscience, he adopts Jane, George's orphaned child and the rightful owner of the invention. Years later, after having raised Jane as his own daughter, John dies. In his will, he discloses his theft of the plans and reveals Jane's true identity. He then leaves all of his money to Kent, his worthless son, provided that he marry his "sister." Jane, however, wants to marry Gordon, her other "brother," who is determined that Jane get all of the money from George's invention. Furious, Kent tries to murder both Jane and Gordon, but he fails, and the police quickly arrest him. Jane is then awarded the rights to George's invention, after which she and Gordon plan their life together.

Dir: Jack Pratt

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

When county treasurer Dr. Raymond Pratt loses the money in his care to political robbers, he disappears after leaving a note for his friend Tom Hammond saying that he will not return until he has replaced all of the money. Hammond replenishes the treasury out of his own pocket and dies in the poorhouse, without Pratt knowing that his disgrace was never made public. Years later, Hammond's nephew, Dr. Thomas Rawn, is sent West to investigate a mysterious disease called the Blue Death on the Quien Sabe ranch, owned by Pratt, who now poses as Hank Weaver. Thomas falls in love with Weaver's daughter Jenny but she resists his affection, thinking that he is a spy for a rival ranch, until he saves her from the Blue Death. In the end, Weaver discovers that he is not in disgrace and accepts an important post in Washington where Jenny and Thomas realize their love for each other.

Dir: Jack Pratt

A royal princess gives her time to the Red Cross, and works alongside a young American doctor.

Dir: Jack Pratt

Actress Nell Woodward marries Hugh Gordon to spite his mother. Randall, Nell's manager, is angered by this and cancels her contract. Because Hugh is a drug addict, Nell has a difficult time making a living and supporting him. Gordon's mother offers Nell $5000 if she will leave the city, thinking she can then reclaim her son. Nell accepts the money and leaves, but takes Hugh with her. Eventually, she helps Hugh overcome his addiction.