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Select two cult films to compare side by side.
Pride Synopsis
Eve Leslie is sent to boarding school. Proud of the fortune that has come to her she feels herself above Adam Moore, who loves her. Eugene D'Arcy, a powerful banker, who also suffers from pride and arrogance, meets Eve and wants her. In order that her pride may be further satisfied, she decides to marry a count. They elope, after eluding D'Arcy in an exciting chase, and board an ocean liner, bound for Europe. D'Arcy manages to catch the liner, as does Adam Moore, who stows away, hoping to protect her. Aboard the liner Adam manages to expose the bogus count and frustrate D'Arcy. Adam wins back his sweetheart after she has learned from bitter experience that a fall always follows pride. A fitting end comes to D'Arcy, who pays for his evil machinations that resulted from his false pride.
The Martyrdom of Philip Strong Synopsis
"Man, you are a living lie." Thus is Philip Strong, the rising young pastor of a fashionable Calvary Church, addressed by Brother Man (symbolizing the Spirit of Christ on earth). Surrounded by luxury, lionized by a wealthy congregation, Philip Strong suddenly realizes the force of these words. He has been preaching the doctrines of Christ, but his work has been the work of bare words only. To prove the truth of what he says. Brother Man leads Philip to the slums, and shows him the misery and squalor of a world which he has never known. The starving women and children, the kitchens of Hell where whiskey ruins the lives of men, impresses Philip deeply. He sees his real mission in life. He must help the downtrodden. Sarah, Philip's wife, wrapped in her social ambition, is horrified when Philip announces his determination. She refuses to permit her little daughter, Irma, to play with an orphaned child of the slums, whom Philip has brought home to shelter. She pleads with Philip to give up his new work. It means ruin and social ostracism. She scolds and bursts into a rage of fury, but Philip is firm. Goaded on by her mother, who pictures the disgrace of Philip's close association with the slums, Sarah leaves the home, taking Irma with her. Time finds Philip living in the slums, immersed in his work. Fighting the battle of the downtrodden, he arouses the hate of powerful forces. The rich of his congregation, owning the properties which house saloons, and the owners of these saloons, combine to bring about his downfall. Undaunted by threats of personal harm, he wages his war. Cheered by Brother Man in the moments when things seem most hopeless, he fights his battle with new energy. His friends gone, his little daughter dead, the wife whom he loves opposing him, he fights on. Scenting an opportunity to discredit him, the interests cause Sarah to believe that Loreen, a consumptive derelict, whom he has redeemed and sheltered in his home, is his mistress. The story is disproved and Sarah relents, but too late. The body bearing the spirit of Philip is not equal to the task. Wrecked by worry and ill-health, he gives up his life and his soul passes to the One Whose work he has been doing, and like Whom he has been crucified.
"Pride" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Martyrdom of Philip Strong" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
Pride