Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
Havoc Synopsis
A war drama produced only 7 years after the end of World War I. Based on the play by Henry Wallace it chronicles two Englishmen, Dick Chappell (George O'Brien) and Roddy Dunton (Walter McGrail) at the dawn of The Great War. Both men are in love with the same woman, Violet Deering (Margaret Livingston). Chappell, whose proposal has been accepted by Violet, enlists for the war in Europe hoping to distinguish himself and make his fiancé proud of him. After he leaves Violet suddenly finds herself drawn to Dunton instead who has also enlisted. She convinces him to let Chappell know that she has had a change of heart and that their engagement is off. However Dunton never confesses this and encourages his brazen and zealous friend to face the Germans in a fierce trench war battle in high spirits. Chappell is almost killed, but able to survive, though he is blinded during the attack. The guilt over what he has done ultimately has the remorseful Dunton commit suicide. Back home in London, Dunton's sister Tessie (Madge Bellamy) nurses Chappell back to health. His sight eventually returns and he realizes Violet's schemes and drops her in favor of Tessie.
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.
"Havoc" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Key to Power" offers its own unique cult appeal.
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HavocBoth films share