Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
Smoldering Embers Synopsis
When John Conroy's wife takes his infant son Jack and runs away with another man, Conroy becomes a tramp and goes to Alaska. Fifteen years later, he returns and learns that his son Jack is being coerced into marrying Edith Wyatt, the daughter of a congressman, in order to further the political ambitions of his stepfather, Mayor Horace Manners. Conroy makes friends with the boy, who is unaware that the congenial tramp is actually his father. Jack loves cobbler's daughter Beth Stafford, and when Conroy discovers that Manners plans to frame Jack for the loss of city funds and thus scare him into marriage with Edith, he intercedes and insures that his son receives both his rightful inheritance and the woman whom he loves. After securing the boy's happiness, Conroy slips away without revealing his true identity to his son.
Brothers Divided Synopsis
Convict Tom King is pardoned from a life sentence when he courageously helps other prisoners during a fire. He then goes to live with his brother Matthew, the hated mill owner in a depressed town, and his own son Max, who was brought up by Matthew to believe his father was dead. When Matthew is struck with partial paralysis, Tom takes over the mill. His confession to the workers of his past wins their respect but causes embarrassment for Max. Fearing that his love, Ruth Renaud, will not want to marry the son of an ex-convict, Max leaves for New York City to study music, financially supported by Tom. In a short time, Tom institutes many changes for the betterment of the town and its workers. He even wins Matthew's admiration after the mill turns a good profit. Max returns to find the town greatly improved and asks his father's forgiveness. Finally, he and Ruth are married.
"Smoldering Embers" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "Brothers Divided" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
Smoldering Embers