Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
Mr. Goode, Samaritan Synopsis
Mr. Goode, a wealthy old gentleman, takes his wife and daughter, Evelina, out for a spin in their automobile, but throwing in the wrong lever the machine backs into the side of the road and burns up. They continue their journey on foot. Meanwhile, Foxy Monte, a polished crook, has stolen a beautiful car that has been left standing at the curb in a nearby town, and as he whizzes by he sees the Goode family. He stops and offers them a lift. Of course, they gladly accept. And while the ride is continued he persuades Mr. Goode to buy the roadster. Mr. Goode is so easy, in fact, that Monte determines to impose on him again. When Goode is called out of town on business he makes the trip in his new machine. As an alarm has been sent out to the police by the original owner of the car he is immediately apprehended and thrown into jail. His family, believing he has been detained on business, make no inquiry about him, but go on entertaining Foxy Monte, who has come into their circle disguised by full beard and another alias. Ever making the best of his condition, Goode has the jail refurnished and otherwise contributes to the comfort of the inmates. Upon leaving at expiration of his sentence, he invites the jailbirds to come and visit him at the first opportunity. Shifty Ed and his best girl, Shorty Sal, come to the Goode home to pay that visit just as Mr. Goode is entertaining a very fashionable house party, Monte in the number. Sal recognizes Monte, and he, realizing he is in danger, informs the hostess that Ed and Sal are notorious crooks. Then he persuades Evelina, whose hand has been refused him by Mr. Goode, to elope with him. It is at this point that Ed Ed and Sal make a big return for the kindness of Mr. Goode, and there is a thrilling finish.
The Heiress at Coffee Dan's Synopsis
"Waffles," the waitress at "Coffee Dan's" hash-house, is selected by Bert Gallagher and Clara Johnstone, a pair of crooks, to be represented as a missing heiress whose story they have read about in the papers. "Waffles" herself believes the story, as she was orphaned early and remembers little of her childhood, and by adroit coaching is able to convince the estate's none too bright lawyers of the validity of her claim. With this unlimited money, poor little "Waffles" nevertheless has only three desires: to buy the little restaurant for her old benefactor, Shorty Olson, to publish the music written by her lover, Carl Miller, a young, eccentric, absent-minded musical genius, and to adopt the baby that a Mrs. O'Shaughnessy is too poor to care for. But "Waffles" establishes Shorty Olson as chef in her mansion, and Miller is a frequent caller until Mrs. Johnstone in secret convinces him that it is his duty to give up the girl who is destined for high society. Without explaining to "Waffles," he discontinues his visits. Mrs. Johnstone is thus able to induce "Waffles" to promise to marry the crook, Gallagher, but just before the ceremony old Shorty Olson overhears a dispute between Gallagher and a gangster over loot, and thus discovers Gallagher's real character. Shorty Olson is caught eavesdropping, and the crooks shut him into the garage. Carl Miller has been mooning at the house of his lost love, and sees Shorty Olson put into the garage. He goes over and knocks out the gangster on guard and the liberated Shorty goes for the police and Carl goes for the marriage service, which has just begun. "Waffles" sees his face at the window and faints. She is revived and the service is begun again when Carl forces his way in and battles the bridegroom. The police arrive just in time, and the crooks go to jail. The lawyer comes with the real heiress, and "Waffles" goes back to the hash house. For the crooks' arrest the three are given a reward of $1,500, so Shorty Olson buys "Coffee Dan's." Carl publishes his music, and "Waffles" adopts Mrs. O'Shaughnessy's baby.
"Mr. Goode, Samaritan" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Heiress at Coffee Dan's" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
Mr. Goode, Samaritan