Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
Dugan of the Badlands Synopsis
The first of the series known as (and called such by Monogram) the "Bill 'n Andy" series with western star Bill Cody and a young Andy Shuford. Not a series in the usual sense as neither played continuing characters in the series and weren't always called Bill and Andy. Cody's trademark---intentional or otherwise---was a 20-gallon hat rather than the usual 10-gallon variety, and clothes that always seemed to have been made for someone a lot bigger than Bill Cody was... plus he would wear as many as three or four different hats (always big) within the same film, and have at least two or more costume changes (none that fit his frame) in most of his films.Costume changes in B-Westerns was out of the norm, primarily for budget and continuity reasons, but Cody had a large wardrobe and evidently brought most of it with him with intent to use. This one has Andy's father dying in the desert and Cody comes along and adopts him or something. They help sheriff Manning chase down his crooked deputy Dan Kirk, and Andy gets a deputy's badge (junior version) and Bill gets the sheriff's daughter, June.
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.
"Dugan of the Badlands" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Great Shadow" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
Dugan of the BadlandsBoth films share