Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
Half Way to Heaven Synopsis
Nick, the "swing" man in a trapeze troupe, loves Greta Nelson, the girl in the act; and Tony, the "flyer," incurs his enmity as Greta seems to favor him; thus Nick fails to catch Tony, and Tony is killed. Ned Lee, a novice, reports for the next engagement. Meanwhile, Greta discovers that Nick purposely dropped Tony, and, frightened, she seeks refuge with Ned, with whom she falls in love. Greta remains with the act to protect Ned, and when the jealous Nick plots to kill him in a similar manner, Ned swings past him and hangs by his feet. After the show, a fight results in Nick's dismissal and the reunion of the lovers.
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.
"Half Way to Heaven" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Great Shadow" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
Half Way to HeavenBoth films share