Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
Evening Clothes Synopsis
Wealthy French farmer Lucien D'Artois (Adolphe Menjou) is fond of raising horses and married to Germaine (Virginia Valli), according to the terms of a marriage contract. When she finds his rustic interests unbearable, she leaves him. Determined to become a polished Parisian, Lucien goes to the city and diligently studies fencing and dancing but is unable to gain her favor. He embarks on a life of frivolity and free spending and to demonstrate his powers with women, he deliberately steals nightclub girl Fox Trot (Louise Brooks) from Lazarre (Noah Beery). Eventually Lucien's fortune is drained and everything he owns is seized except a suit of evening clothes. Living by his wits, Lucien imagines himself still a popular, wealthy count and returning to his bare flat. To his surprise, Germaine has returned to him.
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.
"Evening Clothes" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Great Shadow" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
Evening ClothesBoth films share