Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
The Apaches of Paris Synopsis
In his effort to ensnare Paula, an American girl studying music in Paris, Darcelle intercepts her mail and steals the money sent her from America. When financial reverses beggar the Farrells, they send Paula her passage money and urge her to return home. This money is stolen by Darcelle. Desperate, and anxious to aid her mother and sister, the girl falls a victim to the scoundrel's wiles. Mrs. Farrell dies, believing that her daughter has achieved success abroad. Marjorie, Paula's sister, unexpectedly comes to Paris to live with her. Paula endeavors to hide her secret, but it is revealed when Austin, a young American who loves her, learns of the girl's affair with Darcelle. Late that night, half-crazed as the result of the denouement, Paula visits a cafe and witnesses a performance of the "Dance of the Apaches." The fate which is meted out to the male Apache deeply impresses the girl. During her absence, Darcelle, whose eyes have turned towards Marjorie, enters Paula's apartment. Confronted by the scoundrel, Marjorie stabs and mortally wounds herself to escape him. Darcelle flees just before the elder sister returns. Dying, Marjorie tells her story to Paula. Remembering the fate dealt out to the Apache, the girl vows to slay her sister's murderer. The police have been looking for Darcell, and the man takes refuge in Paula's apartment. The girl's attempt to slay him fails. Austin, who is aiding the police, enters the apartment with the latter just in time to save Paula's life. Darcelle leaps from a window in trying to escape and is killed. Austin learns Paula's story and forgives her.
The Figurehead Synopsis
In the city of Bolton, party politics are in the control of two men, Jim Durfee and Gordon Freeman, who intend to keep it that way by running a "figurehead" for mayor. They decide upon Sheridan Dows, known as "Sherry," a young society dilettante, who surprises the political bosses by taking his responsibilities seriously. Aided by Mary Forbes, a girl who works in the settlements, Sherry slowly gains popular support. Alarmed at the threat that he is beginning to pose, Durfee and Freeman plot to eliminate Sherry from the race by framing him in a compromising situation with Mary, but Sherry outwits them. That failing, Durfee plants scurrilous articles about Sherry in the paper, turning popular opinion against him until Mary persuades the paper's editor to refute the attacks. Regaining his popular support, Sherry wins both the election and Mary.
"The Apaches of Paris" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Figurehead" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Apaches of Paris