Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
Johnny Ring and the Captain's Sword Synopsis
The fellow townsmen of Russell H. Conwell, an infantry captain of the Union Army during the Civil War, present him with a handsome sword, which becomes an object of special care to Johnny Ring, an earnest, Christian youth who is the captain's orderly. In camp, Conwell, an atheist, refuses to allow the boy to read the Bible; nevertheless, Johnny prays for the captain's conversion. During a surprise attack, Johnny, saving the sword, is wounded and dies. Conwell is promoted to colonel, and later he is wounded and left for dead in the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. In the pain and agony of recovery, he vows that if God spares his life he will accomplish the work of two men--for Johnny Ring, and for himself. (The story is said to be based on the true experiences of a Philadelphia minister.)
Man's Plaything Synopsis
While working as a flower girl in Devlin Maddox's nightclub, Nellie Vaughan meets wealthy young Pelton Van Teel and falls in love. Maddox, desirous of using Nellie to blackmail Van Teel, spreads a rumor that she is his mistress. This makes Nellie uncomfortable, and she demands that Van Teel marry her immediately, to which he agrees. Meanwhile, Van Teel has been losing money gambling to Maddox, who threatens to break up the marriage by producing a worthless check that the young husband has written. Venturing to Maddox's apartment for a showdown, Nellie pulls a gun and demands the check, accidentally shooting Maddox when he throws a lamp at her. Maddox plans to charge Nellie with assault, but when the police arrive, his butler, actually a detective employed by the elder Van Teel, exposes Maddox, who is then arrested, clearing the path for the couple's happiness.
"Johnny Ring and the Captain's Sword" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "Man's Plaything" offers its own unique cult appeal.
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Johnny Ring and the Captain's SwordBoth films share