Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
Madonna of the Streets Synopsis
John Morton, director of the fashionable parish of St. Andrews, resigns his wealthy charge to open a mission in the Limehouse district of London. His uncle, dying, leaves penniless his mistress, Mary Carlson, who determines to go to London and land the millions which she feels should have been hers through marriage to Morton. In this enterprise she succeeds with the ease of the practiced siren, but she tires of the life when she finds that Morton is sincere in his determination to put all of his money into welfare work. A night out with Morton's secretary brings matters to a crux, but he forgives her escapades, only to discover immediately after her identity as his uncle's enslaver. The second blow is too much for him. He lets her go her way. Later he realizes his powerful love for her. He fails in his mission since his hearers feel there is too much preaching and too little personal gain, and they are rushing him into the river when he is rescued by the police. He signs away the last of his money, believing that it has cost him his influence with his people, but he retains his ministry and eventually Mary comes back. She is miraculously revived after being declared dead, and the story ends on this dramatic moment.
The Barricade Synopsis
Unnerved by the superiority of John Cook, the new president of the Securities Company, Wall Street business leader Amos Merrill begins to speculate with the trust funds in his control, ultimately losing all the funds. Amos, faced with discovery and disgrace, lies to his daughter Hope that Cook has ruined him; soon after, Hope meets Cook and conceives a plot for revenge. In the meantime, Cook has protected the frail Merrill from prosecution and paid back his debt after sending him away on a vacation to recover his health. Hope, knowing nothing of this, marries Cook and makes his life unbearable, finally conspiring with his business rival Gerald Hastings to ruin her husband and gain control of his funds. When Amos returns from his vacation, he is stunned at what Hope has done and reveals that his lie has resulted in a terrible mistake. Hope begs forgiveness from Cook and they go West together to begin a new life.
"Madonna of the Streets" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Barricade" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
Madonna of the Streets