Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
Drums of the Desert Synopsis
Chief Brave Bear and his people gather at the Navajo reservation to confront a problem: A group of men, headed by Will Newton, seeks to force them off their lands. Desert rats Perkins and Hi-Lo encounter Professor Elias Manton and his daughter, Mary, who hire them as guides. The group meets John Curry, a friend of the Navajo, whose cordiality arouses their suspicion. Newton makes an unsuccessful attempt to dissuade the Manton team from continuing its work in the desert while casting aspersions on John. However, John proves himself by rescuing the kidnapped professor from Newton's men. While the gang attempts to seize Navajo oil claims, Brave Bear leads his people in defense of their sacred altars. John tries to defuse the situation but is shot and wounded by Newton. The U.S. Cavalry arrives and places the Newton gang under arrest. Mary comes to admire John and they fall in love.
The Key to Power Synopsis
Bruce Wendell, the son of West Virginia coal mine owner James Wendell, graduates from West Point and prepares to lead a fighting unit to the front during World War I. As his father lies dying, however, he convinces Bruce to remain at home and guard the mine. Bruce's fiancée Ann Blair assumes that he is a coward and breaks off their engagement, but her brother Bobbie remains Bruce's loyal friend. Meyer, a German agent, persuades railroad president Parrish to refuse to transport Wendell's coal, but when Bruce adamantly refuses to close the mine, the spy's men decide to blow it up. While Ann is being abducted by Meyer, Bobbie is buried in an explosion at the mine. Bruce rescues Bobbie and then sends a plea to Lieutenant Parrish to rescue Ann. Meyer and his gang are captured and Ann renews her vow of love to Bruce.
"Drums of the Desert" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Key to Power" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
Drums of the DesertBoth films share