Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
My Friend from India Synopsis
Wealthy young man about town, Tommy Valentine (Franklin Pangborn) comes to the aid of Barbara Smith (Elinor Fair). But before he can learn anything about Barbara, her social climbing Aunt Bedelia (Ethel Wales), whisks her away. On a mission to 'find the girl,' Tommy looks for her everywhere. He unknowingly befriends her brother Charlie, who invites him to spend the evening in Smith's palatial home. The next morn Aunt Bedelia finds Tommy with his head wrapped in a towel and assumes him to be the Hindu prince that Charlie promised to bring to her society party. Introduced to all as a Prince from Calcutta, Tommy is forced to see the charade through. But the local con man Charlie had previously arranged to appear at the party as the Prince shows up as well. At least Tommy is able to reconnect with Barbara, that is until the police show up with orders to arrest all fake fakirs.
The Wax Model Synopsis
Julie Davenant is the neglected daughter of a Parisian dancer who, tired of her life, commits suicide. With her last breath she tells Julie not to trust men. Julie begins her battle with life as a nursemaid. Sculptor John Ramsey spies the beautiful little girl, gives her his card, and when she is discharged from her nursemaid position she becomes his model. She becomes the most talked-of model in Paris, and modiste Hermineux pays her a handsome sum to have her likeness made in wax, on which he displays his gowns. Julie meets Melville Ilchester, who seems "different." He also falls deeply in love with her. Ilchester, to satisfy a query in his mind if Julie is really "different," goes to her flat at night and walks in just as she, on a dare, takes a sip of wine and lights a cigarette. He refuses to listen to her explanation. In a moment of despair, Ilchester smashes both window and model at the Hermineux shop. Julie surmises Helen (Ilchester's sister) and Ramsey's plan to elope, sends Ilchester a note to go to Ramsey's because a friend is in danger, tells Helen that Ramsey is married, and hides her as Ilchester enters Ramsey's studio. Ilchester, believing this is a ruse of Julie's, leaves, still refusing to allow Julie to explain. Heartbroken she abandons her profession as a model and becomes destitute. She sends Ilchester a last note of appeal, which Helen accidentally sees, and after hearing the truth from his sister, Ilchester hastens to Julie, explanations are made and their happiness is assured.
"My Friend from India" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Wax Model" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
My Friend from India