Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
New York Synopsis
The Ritz Social Club, a Bowery cabaret, is the rendezvous of four old friends: Michael Angelo Cassidy, a trap drummer and composer; Buck, his arranger; Izzy, who breaks into politics; and Trent, who has become a gun-carrying gangster. Angie Miller admires Mike but surrenders to the proposals of Trent. Mike meets Marjorie Church, a society heiress, and 5 years later, having become a successful song writer, falls madly in love with her. Angie goes to Mike's apartment to congratulate him, and when Trent thinks she is unfaithful, he accidentally shoots her and hides the body. When the body is discovered, Mike is held for murder. Buck discovers evidence of Trent's guilt at the time Mike is convicted, and when Buck forces a confession from Trent, the judge reverses the verdict.
The Great Shadow Synopsis
Jim McDonald, the foreman of a shipbuilding plant and head of the labor union, strives to combat the anarchistic propaganda being put forth by Klimoff, the leader of a Bolshevik gang whose goal is to disrupt the country with strikes and anarchy. Despite McDonald's efforts, a strike is called, resulting in chaos. McDonald's child is knocked down by runaway horses abandoned by their striking driver, and dies. Mob scenes take place in America, as well as in Russia. Eventually, the unrest is quelled with an armistice called between Capital and Labor for a year, during which time wages are to be increased to reflect the cost of living, and leaders are to work out a common plan for their mutual advantage. The strikers now realize that they have been pawns of the Bolsheviks and call off the strike, agreeing to the plan.
"New York" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Great Shadow" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
New YorkBoth films share