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.
Shirley Kaye Synopsis
Shirley Kaye is the vivacious daughter of Egerton Kaye, president of the great Union Central Railroad. The latter holds his position through his descent from "Pirate" Kaye, who founded the line, rather than through any executive ability of his own. Shirley is queen of the most exclusive Long Island set, and as clever as she is lovely to look at. From the West comes T.J. Magen, a rough but lion-hearted financier, who buys the house next door to the Kayes. Magen cares little for society, and the elaborate household which their wealth forces them to support is a constant worry to his simple and unassuming wife. But the daughter, "Daisy," yearns, with all her heart to break into the society and swim where Shirley Kaye reigns supreme. T.J. and his younger associate, John Rowson, who, incidentally, hates all women, especially Easterners, secure a majority of the proxies of Union Central shareholders. Believing that new blood would improve the finances of the U.C, they determine to oust Egerton Kaye, the figure-head president, at the next directors' meeting. With breaking heart Kaye tells his daughter of the impending blow, which means not alone the loss of his position but also the loss of the family interest in the road. Shirley, angered at the conspiracy, rises supremely to the emergency. She uses her wiles on T.J., dickers with him for his daughter's social position and agrees to give Daisy her heart's desire if he will ally himself with the Kaye interests. She wins the allegiance of Magen, but Rowson, believing her to be a cold-blooded seeker after money and social position, abruptly severs his connections with the venture and leaves for the west. In the end Shirley goes after him and proves herself as capable in love piracy as in the realm of high finance.
"Arms and the Girl" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "Shirley Kaye" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
Arms and the Girl