Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
Her Mad Bargain Synopsis
After the death of her benefactress, Mrs. Beresford, Alice Lambert is evicted by Ruth, Mrs. Beresford's jealous niece; and in despair Alice seeks employment as a model. Her refusal to accept the attentions of Monsieur Armand ends in her dismissal, and as an artist's model she has a similarly unpleasant experience with Grant Lewis, from whom she seeks refuge in the studio of sculptor David Leighton. She later attempts suicide but is forestalled by Leighton, who proposes that she insure her life for $35,000 (a portion of which she will receive immediately) and that at the end of 6 months she "accidentally" take her life. She agrees, and Leighton decides to immortalize her hands in a statue and secretly falls in love with her. At a tea given by his aunt, she discovers that her rival is Ruth Beresford and meets Grant Lewis, who slanders her. Alice injures a newsboy, Jerry Dunn, in an accident, and while she is convalescing from the experience Leighton declares his love for her.
The Barricade Synopsis
Unnerved by the superiority of John Cook, the new president of the Securities Company, Wall Street business leader Amos Merrill begins to speculate with the trust funds in his control, ultimately losing all the funds. Amos, faced with discovery and disgrace, lies to his daughter Hope that Cook has ruined him; soon after, Hope meets Cook and conceives a plot for revenge. In the meantime, Cook has protected the frail Merrill from prosecution and paid back his debt after sending him away on a vacation to recover his health. Hope, knowing nothing of this, marries Cook and makes his life unbearable, finally conspiring with his business rival Gerald Hastings to ruin her husband and gain control of his funds. When Amos returns from his vacation, he is stunned at what Hope has done and reveals that his lie has resulted in a terrible mistake. Hope begs forgiveness from Cook and they go West together to begin a new life.
"Her Mad Bargain" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Barricade" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
Her Mad Bargain