Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
The Great Lover Synopsis
Ethel Warren returns from studying in Europe to make her debut in New York with the opera company in which Jean Paurel, world-famous baritone, is the star. Carlo Sonino, also a member of the company, falls in love with Ethel and warns her against becoming infatuated with the amorous singer. Paurel becomes enchanted with Ethel, arousing the jealousy of the company's prima donna, Sabotini. When, after the first act, Ethel hears that Paurel has suffered an attack of the throat, she rushes backstage. Carlo, urged by Sabotini, follows and makes a scene, whereupon Ethel indignantly announces her engagement to Paurel. Paurel is unable to perform in the second act, and Carlo, taking his place, is vaulted to stardom. After Paurel is diagnosed as never being able to sing again, Bianca, a retired singer and Paurel's first love, reveals that Carlo is their son and pleads with the singer to give up Ethel for the boy's sake. After much soul-searching, Paurel refutes his selfish ways and agrees, thus freeing Ethel from her pledge to marry him.
The Stronger Love Synopsis
Nell, a beautiful mountain girl, is a member of the Serviss family, rivals of the neighboring Rutherford family. Nell is engaged to Jim Serviss, who is the head of their clan, but when, by accident, she meets a stranger who has come to stay with the Rutherfords, they become infatuated. The stranger spends much of his time examining and chipping away at rocks, causing an intense curiosity among the mountaineers, who suspect that he is a "revenuer." When Nell learns that the stranger is searching for radium, she shows him a deposit rich in ore located near the Serviss still. On the night of a big dance, the Serviss still is burned by revenue officers and the mountain people are convinced that the stranger is to blame. Nell rushes to the Rutherford cabin to warn the stranger who is revealed to be Rolf Rutherford. When Jim arrives, Nell saves Rolf's life by telling Jim that she will marry the stranger. Soon after Jim leaves, however, Nell goes after him and admits that it is only he who she loves and that she lied to save him from committing murder.
"The Great Lover" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Stronger Love" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Great Lover