Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
The Love That Lives Synopsis
Molly McGill, a scrub-woman, labors long hours so that her children will not have to face life in the slums. Driven to desperation after her husband and baby daughter are killed in the streets, and fearful that her little son Jimmy will suffer the same fate, Molly accepts the proposition of Harvey Brooks, a broker in one of the offices that she cleans, to become his mistress. Keeping her life a secret from her son, she places him in a vocational school. When Jimmy finishes his education, Molly returns to her life as a scrub-woman. Then one day she reads in the paper of an heroic act performed by Jimmy, who is now a fireman. Unable to resist temptation, she creeps past the fire station where she sees Jimmy with his sweetheart, Dora Palmer. Later the girl seeks employment as a stenographer in Brooks's office where Molly is again working, and she keeps a watchful eye on Dora. True to Molly's suspicions, Brooks attacks Dora and Molly springs to her aid. In the ensuing fight, Brooks is killed and a fire breaks out. Jimmy comes to the rescue, but there is time to save only one of the women; and so Molly is left behind to die in peace, knowing that her son has escaped the slums.
The Luring Lights Synopsis
Anna, who lives with her harsh-tempered aunt, eagerly seizes the opportunity to join a traveling repertoire company. The girl and Darnton, the "villain" in the company, become deeply interested in each other, and because of Anna Darnton conquers his terrible craving for liquor. Later, when the troupe disbands in New York, Anna meets Rita. The girl makes the acquaintance of Marbridge, an agent of the worst type, and only her wit saves her from the man's clutches. Following a quarrel with Darnton, Anna foolishly consents to go autoing with Rita and the fast set with which the latter associates. The auto hurtles over an embankment and Anna alone escapes death. A reconciliation with Darnton follows. Anna obtains a position in the company in which Darnton plays the villain. The girl receives her great opportunity when the star, whom she is understudying, is injured on the opening night. Enwright, the manager, learns of the love between the new star and Darnton. Fearing lest sentiment affect their work, he sends Darnton to head the Chicago company. But the separation depresses Anna so greatly that Enwright orders Darnton to return. The player comes back unknown to Anna and suddenly appears before her at the next performance. The ensuing scene thrills the audience, which never for a moment suspects that the heroine and the villain are secret lovers. But the moment the curtain has descended Anna walks into Darnton's arms. Her lips meet his.
"The Love That Lives" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Luring Lights" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Love That Lives