Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
The Forfeit Synopsis
Disinherited by his father, Jeffrey Masters leaves his New York home and amasses a fortune in Texas cattle country. When his younger brother Bob marries Elvine Van Blooren, known as Effie, contrary to his father's wishes, he also is disinherited. Like Jeffrey, Bob goes West, but turns to rustling and becomes the leader of a gang. When Effie, who knows nothing about Bob's involvement with the gang, learns about their hiding place, she informs on them for a much needed $10,000 reward. Only after Bob is hanged does she learn that she caused his death. Jeffrey, searching for Bob, arrives to find him hanging. He cuts the body down and vows vengeance on his betrayer. Four years later, Jeffrey and Effie meet at a cattle convention, fall in love, and marry, but when he learns about her from Sikem Bruce, an ex-member of Bob's gang, Jeffrey tells her to forget their marriage. After Effie is wounded attempting to save Jeffrey from Sikem's ambush, Jeffrey bests Sikem, and seeing Effie unconscious, realizes his love for her.
The Witch Synopsis
Dr. Fernandez is believed by Mendoza, the military governor of Mexico, to possess hypnotic powers. Mendoza is in love with Dr. Fernandez's daughter Zora. When Zora displays no love for him, Mendoza assumes that the father is responsible for the failure of his suit. So great becomes the hatred between the two that when a faction of insurrectionists arises, the doctor places himself at its head and leads it against the Government. Dr. Fernandez is killed in battle. Meanwhile, the Governor's daughter Dolores suffers from somnambulism. While she is anxious to be cure, she dislikes to inform her father or her lover that she is so afflicted. Finally her old nurse makes the fact known to Zora, who possesses the hypnotic power that was her father's. Dolores submits to treatment at Zora's hands and is cured, Zora unaware that Dolores is engaged to Riques--Zora's sweetheart. When she does learn that the wedding day is set, she goes into a rage and contrives to get into the palace by night and hypnotizes Dolores. Shortly thereafter, Zora is denounced as a witch and carried away by an angry mob to be burned at the stake. Just before the torch is applied, the old nurse makes known to the Governor that his daughter has the habit of sleepwalking and is in a trance from which she cannot be roused. She also informs him that only person who can cure Dolores is Zora. At the last instant, the Governor stays the burning of Zora and promises her freedom if she will bring Dolores from her lethargic state. Zora, believing that the Governor is acting in good faith, goes to the palace and awakens Dolores. When she is found to be safe, the Governor goes back on his word and commits Zora to prison. She escapes, however, and Riques, who realizes that he loves Zora more than Dolores, runs away with her. The two are captured after a fight, and in the end Zora is put to death.
"The Forfeit" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Witch" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Forfeit