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 Upstart Synopsis
One day Coventry Petmore leaves his wife and child to go out in the world and fight the social evils of divorce and loveless marriage. Circumstances lead him to the home of Judge Mitchell, where the judge's son, a minister, and his wife Beatrice reside. The minister does not believe in expressing affection to his wife, and Beatrice becomes enamored of her chauffeur Larry Price. Petmore encourages Beatrice to tell the minister that she is running away with Price, then surreptitiously coaches the minister to give a response that Petmore believes will win Beatrice back. The plan backfires, however, and only a rainstorm and car trouble prevent Beatrice and Price from running off. Getting wind of Petmore's role in the affair, the judge has him ejected from the household, and Petmore returns home to discover that his wife has run away with her chauffeur. Petmore's conviction in his theories remains unshaken, however.
"Her Mad Bargain" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Upstart" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
Her Mad Bargain