Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
Jan of the Big Snows Synopsis
Fred Cummings brings his young wife to an isolated northern trading post on the Hudson Bay, where she becomes the idol of the 17 inhabitants. She is particularly idolized by Jan Allaire, a young man inexperienced with women, who sees in Nancy the girl of his dreams. Blanding, a New York fur trader, arrives at the post, and his advances toward Nancy are noticed by Jan and his friends. According to their code of honor, they swear to protect her against Blanding. Nancy's husband disappears while on a trapping mission, and Jan discovers his frozen body but tells Nancy he is only injured. Blanding attempts an attack upon Nancy but is thrashed and sent from the post by Jan and his friends. Forcing the truth from Jan, Nancy takes her child and returns to the United States, but Jan remains hopeful that someday she will return to him.
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.
"Jan of the Big Snows" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Great Shadow" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
Jan of the Big SnowsBoth films share