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Select two cult films to compare side by side.
The Majesty of the Law Synopsis
Judge Randolph Kent repudiates his son when the latter makes no satisfactory explanation of how the jewels which were stolen at Mrs. Monroe's ball came to be found in his coat pocket. That young Kent, heretofore the idol of the little city and the apple of his father's eye, was, after all, hopeless from the beginning seemed proven when he was later indicted for embezzlement. By an irony of fate Judge Kent himself is forced to hear the case, and on considering the incontrovertible evidence instantly gives his son the maximum sentence, ten years in state's prison. But before the sheriff starts with the condemned youth it is discovered that young Kent has all along been sacrificing himself to shield others. Innocent himself, he protected the thief of the jewels at the Monroes' because it was the brother of the girl he was about to marry, and shouldered the crime of the real embezzler because the latter had befriended Kent and got him his position at the bank when the Monroe scandal had made him an outcast.
The Heart of Paula Synopsis
Stephen Pachmann, a young mining engineer, is sent to Mexico to examine a mine. His young wife is very apprehensive and her fears are shared by her brother, Bruce McLean. Just as Pachmann is about to enter Mexico McLean overtakes him persuades him to give up the trip for the sake of his wife. McLean takes Pachmann's passports and enters Mexico. He soon meets Paula, and the girl falls madly in love with the American. This arouses the intense jealousy of Pacheco, Mexican bandit, who finds that Paula loathes him. Pacheco manages to capture McLean and holds him in a mountain wilderness for ransom. News that "Stephen" is being held by the bandit is flashed to the United States and Claire starts to rescue her brother. The bandit tells Paula that Pachmann (McLean) has a wife and that she is on her way to buy her husband's release. The Spanish girl waits and sees the supposed wife greet McLean with kisses. She is furious until she learns that McLean is a brother to the woman. Pacheco threatens to kill McLean after he had attempted to escape, but Paula saves him by offering herself to the guerrilla leader. That night she plans revenge, but Fate changes her decree.
"The Majesty of the Law" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Heart of Paula" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Majesty of the Law