Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
Herkules Maier Synopsis
Travelling salesman Hercules Maier and his wife Maria are expecting a baby, but they can't really afford it. Although Maier desperately tries to support his family, his efforts are becoming more and more absurd: He performs as a 'prince for hire' at dinner parties, ostensibly fails as a waiter, gets dumped by his wife and suddenly finds himself among money forgers. In the end, he even runs a kindergarten. But then he is asked to watch over his own little daughter, which finally leads to a reconciliation with his wife.
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.
"Herkules Maier" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Great Shadow" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
Herkules MaierBoth films share