Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
The Beauty Shop Synopsis
Dr. Arbutus Budd is a New York physician specializing in "beauty". His business is successful but he is still plagued by money problems. One day he gets an idea--he obtains the coat-of-arms of a long-forgotten Italian noble family, the Bolognias, and uses it as his logo on his line of beauty products. As luck would have it, the crest is recognized in Italy, and before long an emissary is sent to the US to bring back "The Baron". Budd is overjoyed, as he believes that he is about to inherit the Bolognia family fortune. However, it turns out that all he inherits is something he wasn't counting on--a blood feud with a local bandit.
The Embarrassment of Riches Synopsis
Through the death of a relative, New York sweatshop worker Lizzie Holt is transformed into Miss Elizabeth Holt, heiress. Elizabeth soon tires, however, of the shallowness of society life and occupies herself by working in a settlement house on the lower East Side. There she falls in love with John Russell, an idealist who despises the rich, and to escape his scorn, she identifies herself as Miss Holt's secretary. John's efforts to close up ward boss Ted Phelan's gambling house next door prove successful when the place is raided, but when several of Elizabeth's acquaintances on a "slumming party" seek her aid in escaping arrest, John discovers her true identity. He is about to change his mind about marrying her, when Elizabeth convinces him that her love and her character are true, and the two are united.
"The Beauty Shop" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Embarrassment of Riches" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Beauty Shop