Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
Arms and the Girl Synopsis
At the outbreak of World War I, American Ruth Sherwood is stranded in the Belgian village of Beaupre. After Olga Karnovitch, a Russian spy eager to leave because of the advancing Germans, steals Ruth's passport, Ruth is taken into custody by the Germans. Among them she recognizes Eugene, formerly a head waiter in New York, who intercedes on Ruth's behalf, saving her from a death sentence. Later, when Wilfred Ferrers, a fellow American staying at Ruth's hotel, is sentenced to death because the Germans believe him to be a Russian spy, Ruth intervenes by attesting that he is her fiancé. The sentimental German general then orders the burgomaster to marry the pair immediately. Soon after, Ruth's fiancé Jack Martin arrives and reproaches Ruth for her actions. His insensitivity forces Ruth to realize that her love for Martin has died. As Ferrers and Ruth make a thrilling escape from the occupied village, both discover that they really love each other.
Nanette of the Wilds Synopsis
Nanette raised in Canada has been peaceful despite the fact that her father is the leader of a band of whiskey bootleggers. Then, however, when Baptiste, a half-breed member of the gang, kills his wife, Constable Thomas O'Brien of the mounted police arrives not only to investigate the murder, but the gang's smuggling activities as well. Nanette and Thomas become friends and then fall in love, but because she is unaware of the precise nature of the crime that Baptiste committed, she helps him get away from the authorities. When she finds out that he is a murderer, however, she agrees to help Thomas capture him, first making sure that her father and the rest of the criminals will be safe from prosecution. After he catches Baptiste and prepares to take him to prison, Thomas promises to return to Nanette and marry her.
"Arms and the Girl" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "Nanette of the Wilds" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
Arms and the Girl