Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
Scotland Forever Synopsis
When the drummer tells Hugh and Willie at the country store of the wonders of New York, nothing will suit them but that they take a trip to the metropolis. Rigged out in large-patterned new clothes, they bid good-bye to the home town, bound for a visit to the startling city. Reaching New York, they are so amazed that they can hardly proceed along the street, so intent are they in taking in what they see. An affable stranger bumps into Hugh. The stranger treats himself to a large dinner at Hugh's expense, which takes all the money Hugh has and half of Willie's. The stranger also relieves Willie of his other half, but Willie does not notice this until later. The owner of a newspaper stand leaves the stand to chase some thieving boys. Willie discovers the loss of his money. An idea strikes Hugh. Hugh gets behind the stand, takes off his new trousers and hands them to Willie, who is to pawn them and buy a cheaper pair. Hugh decides to sell papers during his friend's absence. The proprietor comes back and orders Hugh to vacate. Hugh tries to explain, but a policeman is called. A merry crowd follows Hugh and the officer as they go down the street, Hugh holding part of the stand around him. Two Scotchmen in kilts, of the Caledonian Club, take Hugh from the officer and lead him to their club. They give him a job as assistant steward. Hugh decides to visit his old home town. He writes to Willie he is coming, also that he never wears trousers now and doesn't miss them. When the letter is received it causes great consternation. The villagers indignantly decide to prevent Hugh's arrival. A prevention committee goes to meet the train. All the women of the village are locked indoors. A cold welcome is turned into a general warm greeting when Hugh, resplendent in his kilts, steps into the station platform. He is the lion of the town. Willie now understands that trousers do not make the man.
The Silent Witness Synopsis
Janet Rigsby loves Richard Morgan, a Denver college student, but loses him when he is caught in a fire. Shortly after Richard's presumed demise, Janet leaves her home and bears a son out of wedlock. Over the years, she struggles to make ends meet while raising Bud, her son, on her own. Although her savings are small, Janet manages to send Bud to college. Chastised for his poverty and illegitimate birth, Bud, who is in love with the college gardener's daughter, suffers the ridicule of his peers and eventually comes to blows with and threatens one particular boy for insulting his mother. In the ensuing confrontation, the boy is killed and Bud is arrested for the crime. During the course of the trial, Bud discovers that the district attorney is Richard Morgan, his father. The testimony of one expert witness reveals how the murder in truth was committed, and a liberated Bud happily reunites with his mother and new-found father.
"Scotland Forever" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Silent Witness" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
Scotland Forever