Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
Secret Patrol Synopsis
One of the two dozen or more Canadian-produced (usually by Kenneth J. Bishop) films distributed by Columbia circa 1935-39 in order to comply with (and circumvent) the British-Quota Law that basically required a large percentage of the cast and crew of a small percentage of the total films distributed by American film companies to the UK had to be comprised of British subjects and shot on British or Dominion soil.Distributing the Bishop-Canadian made films was cheaper for Columbia than building and maintaining a studio in London.Since Charles Starrett and stunt man Ted Mapes were about the only people connected to this film that currently or in the past weren't subjects of HRM, this film more than qualified.In this one, RCMP Alan Barclay (Charles Starrett)) is sent to investigate the presumed murder of his friend and fellow RCMPoliceman Gene (Henry Mollison)) when Gene's horse is found riderless or, in the words of French-born western director George Archainbaud, "empty." Gene had been sent to St.John's to investigate a series of accidents which threatened to close down the lumber mill.Undercover, Alan asks for a job at the mill and hears of an accident which has killed four men. He suspects Barstow (J.P. McGowan), the camp blacksmith, who welded the chain that broke and sent the men to their death. Alan convinces Barstow that he is a fugitive from justice, and would do anything for a job. Barstow gives Alan a Mountie's uniform and tells him he is to pose as a Mountie (good plan) sent to investigate the accident. Ordinarily, at this point, the jig would be up but Ann (Finis Barton)), who knows both Alan and Gene shows up and complications arise.
Into the Light Synopsis
A simple country girl, brutally mistreated by her stepfather, awakens first the sympathy, then the love, of The Boy. The Spider, who lusts after The Girl, makes a bargain with the stepfather and takes her to the city where, kept prisoner, she is soon broken in health and spirit. Cast out and near death, she is taken in by The Boy. Following the demise of The Spider, The Boy takes her to church, where he prays, and after many hours she is restored to health.
"Secret Patrol" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "Into the Light" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
Secret PatrolBoth films share