Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
An Affair of Three Nations Synopsis
Ashton-Kirk, a wealthy young detective who delights in solving mysteries involving ancient tablets, forgotten books, documents and treaties, is asked by Stella Morse, the secretary and niece of Dr. Morse, to investigate the origin of mysterious letters threatening the physician's life. Ashton-Kirk learns from the Secretary of State that the head of the Japanese spy network in Washington offered the dissolute son of Russian Count Drevonoff a large sum of money to steal a copy of a secret treaty conducted between Russia and the United States during the Russo-Japanese War. The count, who discovered the treaty in his son's possession, was thought to have stolen it and sent to war in disgrace. Dr. Morse, who treated the injured count at the front, unwittingly obtained the document. Although Dr. Morse is subsequently killed, Ashton-Kirk proves that the murder was accidentally committed by Nanon, the housekeeper. Ashton-Kirk then secures the copy of the treaty and safely delivers it to the Secretary of State, thus averting war between the United States and Japan.
The Menace of the Mute Synopsis
The story deals with the murder of one David Hume, a mysterious individual, who has stolen the plans of a new submarine belonging to the father of Allen Morris. Edith Vale, sweetheart of Morris, notes that her fiancé is the victim of some obsession and through Pendleton, his close friend, enlists the aid of the great detective. Ashton-Kirk takes up the case with a vim, matching his wits against the craft and cunning of the criminal being his hobby. Through a simple little piece of paper made by a conductor's punch, the detective is able to get on the proper scent. This enables him to find his man, who proves to be a mute, and through a note dropped by the latter while in conversation in writing with a friend he learns the perpetrator of the crime. Then, back in the home of Hume, he is secreted when the mute and Sagon enter to recover the plans which Hume had in his possession, and for which the murder was committed. They are returned to Morris, and he and Edith are able to enjoy the bliss for which they had longed.
"An Affair of Three Nations" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Menace of the Mute" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
An Affair of Three Nations