Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
Darkest Russia Synopsis
Ilda Barosky, a Jewess whose father was killed by Russian soldiers, is a violin student in love with Alexis Nazimoff, a son of the Russian aristocracy. When Alexis' father arranges a marriage of convenience between his son and Olga Karischeff, the daughter of the ambitious minister of police, Ilda, asked to play "God Save the Czar" at the betrothal celebration, refuses, and is whipped before the entire assembly. Alexis rushes in and rescues her from his father's wrath and then writes a letter to the Karischeffs, terminating his engagement to their daughter. In retaliation, the minister of police, who is being forced to resign, sentences both Ilda and Alexis to ten years in Siberia as his last official act. In Siberia, the couple attempt to escape, but are caught and are facing a firing squad when Count Nazimoff, who has assumed Karischeff's position as minister of police, arrives with a pardon. Ilda and Alexis return home, and the count, penitent, finally grants them his blessings.
The Woman Beneath Synopsis
Betty Fairchild decides to follow the advice of her mother and marry for money. Thus, when Tom Connolly arrives from the West with his fortune, she accepts his proposal even though she does not love him. The idealistic Tom is completely disillusioned when he learns why his wife married him and promptly leaves her. Rupert Brantley, a wealthy cad, seizes this opportunity to win Betty, but she gradually realizes that she has been wrong and repulses him. One day a letter from Tom's mother arrives and Betty innocently opens it. It contains letters and a photograph of a man who betrayed Tom's sister, with a plea to Tom to avenge the family. Recognizing the man as Brantley, Betty rushes to his apartment to warn him and thus prevent her husband from becoming a murderer, but Tom follows her and accuses her of infidelity. To prevent a fight, Betty remains silent. When she returns home, however, she shows Tom his mother's letter, which leads to a reconciliation between them.
"Darkest Russia" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Woman Beneath" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
Darkest Russia