Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
Men of the Night Synopsis
Mrs. Abbott, an elderly newspaper vendor in dire straits, is taken in by Rupert Dodds, an art dealer, and Dick Foster, his young companion, who see in her transparent honesty an excellent shield for illegal activities in their art shop, where they remold gold and silver articles. Mrs. Abbott soon grows fond of Dick, who calls her "Mother," and she promotes his love for Trixie, the bookkeeper; but she becomes suspicious of Dodds and Dick when she overhears them congratulating themselves over their recent success. Mrs. Abbott discovers that they are planning to rob the home of Lady Broderick, a wealthy customer, and she follows them to prevent the crime, but she is captured and held accountable for robbing the safe. She is tried and convicted just as Dick confesses and clears her of the crime; and in the belief that Dick will reform, the judge sets him free. It develops that Mrs. Abbott is the long-lost sister of Lady Broderick and is the heiress to an English estate. Dick and Trixie are married and spend their honeymoon in England.
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.
"Men of the Night" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "Man's Plaything" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
Men of the NightBoth films share