Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
My Cousin Synopsis
Sincere but struggling sculptor Tommasso (Caruso--bushy moustache, gawky) works in an ornamental plaster shop, but his masterpiece on the side is a bust of his cousin Caroli (Caruso--no moustache, polished), who is the Metropolitan Opera's leading tenor. Tommasso hopes to marry his model Rosa, but her father, restaurant owner Pietro, wants her to find someone more settled and money-conscious, such as the greengrocer Lombardi down the street. Tommasso, he says, throws away his money, such as for a pair of tickets to take Rosa to the opera to see his famed cousin. After the opera, the cousins cross paths in the swanky Galeotto's restaurant, but when neither recognizes the other, Tommasso is generally mocked and Rosa believes him a liar and unworthy. Tommasso must recover his reputation and make a sale, preferably the Caroli bust to his cousin, in order to win Rosa back.
Her Silent Sacrifice Synopsis
In the French town of Savenay live Arlette and her grandfather Chaupin, the proprietor of the inn. Richard Vale, an impoverished young American artist, comes to Savenay to sketch and lodges at the inn where he meets Arlette and induces her to pose for him. During this period, Arlette falls deeply in love with Richard, who is on the brink of starvation. When wealthy libertine and art connoisseur Prince Boissard arrives in Savenay and lusts after Arlette, he proposes to help Richard in return for the girl's consent to become his mistress. Arlette agrees, and Boissard, feigning an interest in Richard's work, sends the young artist to Italy to continue his education. A year passes and Richard returns, now a celebrated artist. Boissard then demands payment of Arlette, who reluctantly agrees to honor her debt. Before she can be dishonored, however, Boissard's servant Sarthe, who is devoted to Arlette, stabs his master, thus freeing the girl to marry her artist.
"My Cousin" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "Her Silent Sacrifice" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
My Cousin