Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
His Official Fiancée Synopsis
Without explanation, William "Still" Waters, the head of a London business, asks stenographer Monica Trant to be his "official fiancée" for 500 pounds. Monica agrees, in order to help support her brother. Monica is introduced to Waters' family at his home. She charms his mother and other relatives, and even wins over the reserved Waters, but she soon resents the business nature of their proposition and returns to London. Waters then explains the reason for the strange request: A foreign business client had selected him for the husband of his daughter and in order to secure the business deal Waters thought a prior engagement was the easiest way out. Monica forgives him and agrees to be his fiancée in earnest.
The Vanderhoff Affair Synopsis
Lester, returning from Mexico, becomes interested in Helen, a girl whose life he had saved. Helen, according to her uncle, Vanderhoff, is insane. Dr. Luchow, Lester's friend, confirms Vanderhoff's statement. Upon returning home, the author finds that the Vanderhoffs have rented the adjoining cottage. The writer sees Helen drop a note. Picking it up, he finds the paper blank. Lester's window faces Helen's window. That night, the girl informs him in pantomime that the note contains a message written in milk. Scorching brings the message into view. As the result, Lester learns that Helen is the victim of a foul plot on the part of her uncle who desires to obtain her fortune. The girl drops a notebook which contains the details. The author is thus informed that Vanderhoff, by keeping his niece drugged with a loco weed preparation, succeeds in fooling the physicians who examine her. Lester breaks into the Vanderhoff house the following morning. He is discovered by Jose, who knocks the author unconscious and places him in the room above the dining room. Vanderhoff hastens his preparations to place Helen in the insane asylum. Dr. Luchow calls for the purpose of preparing the papers. Lester, using the top of a ventilator, saws away at his bonds. The blood from his bruised hands drips down upon Luchow's paper and the doctor soon becomes aware of what is going on. Jose attacks Lester just as the latter gains his freedom, but Dr. Luchow's timely arrival saves his friend. The Mexican and Vanderhoff endeavor to make their get-away in an auto, but an explosion, which wrecks the machine, ends their villainous careers.
"His Official Fiancée" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Vanderhoff Affair" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
His Official Fiancée