Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
Déclassé Synopsis
The last of the impetuous Varicks, Lady Helen Haden is married to Sir Bruce Haden, a brute who treats her shamefully. She falls in love with Ned Thayer, a young American, but refuses to divorce her husband because of the attendant scandal and disgrace. Sir Bruce gains possession of a love letter written to Ned by Lady Helen and divorces her. Ned goes to Africa, and Lady Helen comes to the United States, where she encounters Rudolph Solomon, an art collector who wants her to become his mistress. The noblewoman at first refuses, but when her money runs out, she agrees to the proposal and attends a party at his home. Ned, who has learned of the divorce, comes looking for Helen and meets her at Solomon's party. Lady Helen is so humiliated and ashamed that she rushes from the house and throws herself in front of an automobile. She is not badly injured, and Ned states his love for her.
Under Cover Synopsis
At her godmother's place in Paris, Ethel Cartwright meets dashing Stephen Denby but is reluctant to reciprocate her interest in her because he seems to be idle. Denby is actually a jewel smuggler and sells a $200,000 pearl necklace. Upon her arrival in New York, Ethel notices that her necklace is gone and claims her insurance money. The insurance company inspector finds Ethel's sister's behavior very peculiar and has her investigated by customs inspector Taylor; she soon reveals that she is the thief. Taylor tells Ethel he can forget the whole story if she helps him frame Denby. Ethel agrees and does it. As he is about to be taken to jail, Denby offers Taylor $30,000 to release him. Taylor accepts. Denby reveals himself a secret service agent in charge of catching a customs inspector who has been dealing illegally with smugglers for three years: Taylor. Ethel eventually marries Denby.
"Déclassé" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "Under Cover" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
Déclassé