Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
Beau Broadway Synopsis
Gambler and fight promoter Jim Lambert, grants Gunner O'Brien his dying wish and agrees to care for Gunner's granddaughter, Mona, believing her to be a child. Mona turns out to be a beautiful young woman, however, and Jim overnight stops drinking and chasing skirts, becoming a devoted family man. Killer Gordon, one of Jim's fighters, becomes friendly with Mona, and Jim, believing that she loves Killer in return, himself turns for consolation to his former mistress, Yvonne, whom he asks to marry him. She refuses, telling Jim that she is engaged to Killer; Jim is doubtful, and Mona, overhearing the conversation, runs to her room in tears. Jim follows and learns to his delight that it is he himself whom Mona loves.
The Great Shadow Synopsis
Jim McDonald, the foreman of a shipbuilding plant and head of the labor union, strives to combat the anarchistic propaganda being put forth by Klimoff, the leader of a Bolshevik gang whose goal is to disrupt the country with strikes and anarchy. Despite McDonald's efforts, a strike is called, resulting in chaos. McDonald's child is knocked down by runaway horses abandoned by their striking driver, and dies. Mob scenes take place in America, as well as in Russia. Eventually, the unrest is quelled with an armistice called between Capital and Labor for a year, during which time wages are to be increased to reflect the cost of living, and leaders are to work out a common plan for their mutual advantage. The strikers now realize that they have been pawns of the Bolsheviks and call off the strike, agreeing to the plan.
"Beau Broadway" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Great Shadow" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
Beau BroadwayBoth films share