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 Upstart Synopsis
One day Coventry Petmore leaves his wife and child to go out in the world and fight the social evils of divorce and loveless marriage. Circumstances lead him to the home of Judge Mitchell, where the judge's son, a minister, and his wife Beatrice reside. The minister does not believe in expressing affection to his wife, and Beatrice becomes enamored of her chauffeur Larry Price. Petmore encourages Beatrice to tell the minister that she is running away with Price, then surreptitiously coaches the minister to give a response that Petmore believes will win Beatrice back. The plan backfires, however, and only a rainstorm and car trouble prevent Beatrice and Price from running off. Getting wind of Petmore's role in the affair, the judge has him ejected from the household, and Petmore returns home to discover that his wife has run away with her chauffeur. Petmore's conviction in his theories remains unshaken, however.
"Madonna of the Streets" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Upstart" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
Madonna of the Streets