Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
Suspense Synopsis
After Rear Admiral Jeremy West is dismissed because plans entrusted to him for the country's security have disappeared, he collapses and is taken to a sanitarium. West's daughter Ruth overhears his secretary, Alfred Trimble, plot with a man named Wolvert, and tracks them to the Fifth Avenue address of Mrs. Marcia Vanderhold. Masquerading as her friend Betty, Ruth becomes a stenographer for the Associated War Charities, of which Mrs. Vanderhold is president. After Ruth's aunt hires Herbert Ross, a young detective, to find her, Ruth becomes Mrs. Vanderhold's personal secretary. When the previous secretary is found dead, Ruth refuses Herbert's offer of help, and accompanies Mrs. Vanderhold to her Long Island villa, where Trimble arrives with a man called "His Excellency." After Ruth learns that the plans are hidden in a wall safe, she chloroforms Wolvert and recovers them. When Trimble recognizes her, Ruth knocks a lamp over and shots flash in the darkness. Herbert turns the light on, and Ruth embraces him. The crooks are arrested, West is reinstated, and Ruth accepts Herbert's proposal.
The Chorus Lady Synopsis
Patricia O'Brien, known as "Pat" the "Chorus Lady,' is a keen-witted, clean-lived young girl easily holding her own amid the temptations incident to her profession. She is engaged to marry "Danny" Mallory, a young detective, whose great ambition is to own a farm, marry Pat and leave the bright lights forever. Pat has a younger sister, Nora, whose yielding and idealistic natures Pat knows and she keeps her working in a country store "a million miles from Broadway," under the guardianship of a strict old woman. Nora, stage-struck and envious of Pat, leaves the store and turns up at the theater when Pat is rehearsing. Nora announces that she is going on the stage in spite of Pat's protests. Crawford, a young man-about-town, who is backing the show, struck by Nora's beauty and youth, gives her a position in the company. Crawford plies Nora with attention until she falls in love with him and Pat in her efforts to open Nora's eyes as to Crawford's true character, only succeeds in antagonizing her. Realizing that she cannot convince Nora or control her for long Pat begins a flirtation with Crawford. Nora fights bitterly to hold him. Danny becomes jealous and refuses to believe Pat when she explains that she is flirting with Crawford in an effort to disillusion Nora. At the dress rehearsal of the play in which Pat and Nora are to appear the star sends word that she is ill. Pat is given the chance to play the part. Knowing that Pat cannot leave the theater, Nora leaves a note that she is going to Crawford and slips home to pack. Pat, half-dressed to go on, finds the note, gives up her great opportunity, wraps herself in a cloak and in a cab hurries to Crawford's apartment. She arrives at Crawford's apartment first and leads Crawford into a declaration of love just as Nora appears. Pat demands that Crawford choose between them. Crawford chooses Pat. In the meantime Danny has been sent to get divorce evidence for Crawford's wife. They break into Crawford's rooms and Danny finds the woman to be his own girl. In the stormy scene that follows Pat's borrowed cloak slips from her shoulders revealing her in her underwear. With all evidence against her Pat is unable to establish her innocence. Danny cannot believe her innocent, but makes up his mind never to appear against her. Nora and the detective go, leaving Pat alone with Crawford. She promptly tells Crawford what she really thinks of him and he dismisses her from the company and orders her out of his rooms. Danny resigns his job rather than appear against Pat and the divorce suit never comes to court. Pat, out of a job, is unable to find another engagement and is about to be turned out of her boarding house when Nora, convinced of Pat's loyalty, telephones Danny and tells him the truth. Danny gets his farm and they all go to it, taking along as helper, "Bobs," the young assistant stage-manager, who cherishes an honest passion for Nora.
"Suspense" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Chorus Lady" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
Suspense