Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
The Black Circle Synopsis
Andrew MacTavish Ferguson and Lucy Baird, reporters for a New York newspaper, trade assignments. Both are fired when Lucy's article, written by Andy, criticizes the political party backing the paper. They go to her home, the Southern town of Bradford, where her father Daniel, about to run for sheriff, hires them to edit his newspaper. When they expose a gang of liquor smugglers, the mysterious Black Riders, already responsible for the deaths of two reformers, send Daniel and Andrew notes with black circles drawn on them, symbolizing death. Although Daniel's home and office are ransacked and his character is attacked, he wins the election, then arrests the gang after they capture Andy. Among the gang is the previous sheriff, Jacob Ackerman, who accuses prosecuting attorney Philip Parker of being the real leader. This is confirmed when Andy's visiting Aunt Janet recognizes Parker as the ex-president of a swindling mining company. Later, she advises Andy to marry Lucy, which he does.
The Love Mask Synopsis
During the California gold rush, four unsuccessful miners assume that a woman prospector will give in without a fight, so they jump the claim of Kate Kenner and take her gold away from her. Afterward, although she is Sheriff Dan Deering's sweetheart, Kate decides to take the law into her own hands. Donning the trademark black mask of Silver Spurs, the noted bandit, Kate holds up the saloon where the crooks have stored the gold. As she makes her getaway, however, Dan catches her, and after unmasking her, is astonished to discover Silver Spur's true identity. The town puts Kate on trial immediately and a guilty verdict seems assured until the real Silver Spurs, who had greatly admired the masquerade, himself steals the gold and leaves a note exonerating Kate. Then, taking time out from his sheriff's duty, Dan, instead of pursuing Silver Spurs, starts making plans with Kate for their wedding.
"The Black Circle" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Love Mask" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Black Circle