Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
Grinning Guns Synopsis
"Grinner" Martin, an optimistic cowboy whose admiration for the writing of Amos Felden takes him to a western town where the newspaper publisher is fighting off ruffians, rescues Felden and his daughter, Mary, from a gang of bullies. Purcell, the saloon owner and town boss, has Martin and his pal Buckaroo Bill arrested, then incites the mob to lynch them. Tony turns against Purcell and liberates the prisoners, who persuade Felden to publish the names of undesirable citizens. Purcell threatens Felden when he is named and sets fire to the office. Tony is mortally wounded while saving the life of Felden, and Martin fights Purcell to the latter's death in a waterfall. Martin rehabilitates the newspaper office and finds happiness with Mary.
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.
"Grinning Guns" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Great Shadow" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
Grinning GunsBoth films share