Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
The Explosion of Fort B 2 Synopsis
Carl Ranke, an Italian inventor, after a series of dangerous experiments, discovers a new high explosive which, after being tested by the Italian Government, gives them the assurance necessary to enter the great conflict. At the reception given by His Highness, Ranke falls in love with the daughter of Colonel Colonna, and in keeping an appointment with her is kidnapped by the Austrian spy. Captain Otto Senza, who is serving in the Italian Army. He is imprisoned in the little magazine Fort B2 and is given the choice of revealing his secret of the formula or death, but he, game to the last minute, though death is staring him in the face, prefers to sacrifice his life rather than betray his country. He is saved from the very jaws of death by his faithful dog, and the despicable Austrian meets the death intended for his captive. Sylvia tries to save him but only succeeds in getting into the toils of the spy and sees from her cell window, as she thinks, the death of her lover. After a series of adventures, Ranke succeeds in getting back to his own country just in time to marry the girl who has been faithful to him, in her heart, all through his trying experiences.
The Last Dance Synopsis
Jean, a poor struggling artist, living in a garret on Montmartre, sees from the gallery of the Opera House the famous Spanish dancer, Conchita, and falls madly in love with her. He haunts the street before her house, in the hopes of even a glimpse of her wonderful beauty, but try as he may, cheered on by his faithful model, Ninon, he cannot paint the picture that will do her justice. Conchita progresses from triumph to triumph, and wears the night of her greatest success the poor flowers sent her by the artist in preference to the jewels of her admiring host of friends. Ninon goes to Conchita and begs her to pose just once as Jean's model, so that he may paint her portrait and gain undying fame. Conchita, lured on by her spirit of romance, visits the artist in his studio while he is asleep and dances before him. She seems to float away into nothingness and he cannot tell whether the loving kiss that she gave him was real or only a dream. The picture that Jean paints from the inspiration of the dancer wins the prize at the Academy, and Jean has become famous overnight. The romance is soon ended when the quickly acquired fortune of the now famous painter is dissipated, and the dancer returns to the stage. Jean is broken in health, and comes to live again in an obscure garret, tenderly cared for by the ever faithful Ninon, and on her desperate plea, Conchita comes to dance before the dying Jean. He dies in her arms and she, now realizing that the world holds no further zest, follows him into the unknown.
"The Explosion of Fort B 2" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Last Dance" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Explosion of Fort B 2