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 Tangle Synopsis
Lieut. Jack Bradley, 16th U.S. Cavalry, on furlough, a guest at Esplanade Hotel, Fortress Monroe, becomes engaged to Margaret Lane, a New York society girl, who requests him to keep their engagement a secret. One day, while playing tennis, Jack throws his coat on a bench on which Margaret is sitting, and in picking it up she finds a photograph of a beautiful girl which had fallen from one of the pockets. Margaret, who is of a jealous disposition, becomes enraged and making a package of the photo and her engagement ring, sends them to Jack without an explanation. Jack, mystified, tries to see Margaret, but she snubs him at his every approach. Receiving orders to rejoin his regiment, he is forced to leave without learning the cause of his dismissal. Margaret returns home and receives the attentions of Col. Richard Everett, who is so persistent in his love-making he induces her to become his bride, although Margaret has no love for her soldier husband. Some two years later Jack's regiment is ordered to Fort Bunker, Texas, where Col. Everett is in command. Jack's sister, Emily, is visiting at the Fort with Captain and Mrs. Benham. Margaret, who has met her and recognized her as the original of the picture, realizes how foolish she was in dismissing the man she really loved. She seeks to meet Jack, but he, not daring to trust himself in her presence, refuses to see her. War is declared, and Margaret, piqued at Jack's seeming indifference and fearful that he will be ordered away suddenly, sends word for him to report at the Colonel's office at once. Jack, unsuspecting, obeys. During a scene in which he learns the truth of their broken engagement. Major Prescott, an old comrade of Colonel Everett's, enters and warns them that the next time he witnesses anything of the kind he will inform the Colonel. The scene now shifts to Tampa, Fla., where the troops are awaiting embarkation. A telegram to Col. Everett from the Secretary of War raises him to the rank of Brigadier General and he recommends Jack for appointment on his staff as aide-de-camp. Margaret, now that Jack is going to the front, is more anxious than ever to see him and sends a note for him to meet her, as she has something of the greatest importance to tell him. Jack accidentally drops the note, which is picked up by Prescott, who informs the Colonel what is happening. Jack and Margaret meet at the appointed rendezvous with Prescott and the Colonel nearby, the Colonel ready to shoot if Jack transgresses. The tenseness of the situation is broken when Jack tells Margaret that her duty as well as his is to her husband, and says goodbye for good. As he is leaving, the Colonel steps out and thanks Jack for the honorable manner in which he has acted. The troops move to the front and are engaged in a terrific battle in which the Colonel is mortally wounded. Sending for Jack, he makes him promise to marry Margaret and passes away. Margaret, who is in New York, hears of her husband's death and becomes ill, constantly calling for Jack in her delirium. Emily, Jack's sister, knowing of their great love, wires for her brother, who is stationed at Santiago, and he takes the next boat home.
"Scotland Forever" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Tangle" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
Scotland Forever