Compare Films

The Martyrdom of Philip Strong Synopsis

"Man, you are a living lie." Thus is Philip Strong, the rising young pastor of a fashionable Calvary Church, addressed by Brother Man (symbolizing the Spirit of Christ on earth). Surrounded by luxury, lionized by a wealthy congregation, Philip Strong suddenly realizes the force of these words. He has been preaching the doctrines of Christ, but his work has been the work of bare words only. To prove the truth of what he says. Brother Man leads Philip to the slums, and shows him the misery and squalor of a world which he has never known. The starving women and children, the kitchens of Hell where whiskey ruins the lives of men, impresses Philip deeply. He sees his real mission in life. He must help the downtrodden. Sarah, Philip's wife, wrapped in her social ambition, is horrified when Philip announces his determination. She refuses to permit her little daughter, Irma, to play with an orphaned child of the slums, whom Philip has brought home to shelter. She pleads with Philip to give up his new work. It means ruin and social ostracism. She scolds and bursts into a rage of fury, but Philip is firm. Goaded on by her mother, who pictures the disgrace of Philip's close association with the slums, Sarah leaves the home, taking Irma with her. Time finds Philip living in the slums, immersed in his work. Fighting the battle of the downtrodden, he arouses the hate of powerful forces. The rich of his congregation, owning the properties which house saloons, and the owners of these saloons, combine to bring about his downfall. Undaunted by threats of personal harm, he wages his war. Cheered by Brother Man in the moments when things seem most hopeless, he fights his battle with new energy. His friends gone, his little daughter dead, the wife whom he loves opposing him, he fights on. Scenting an opportunity to discredit him, the interests cause Sarah to believe that Loreen, a consumptive derelict, whom he has redeemed and sheltered in his home, is his mistress. The story is disproved and Sarah relents, but too late. The body bearing the spirit of Philip is not equal to the task. Wrecked by worry and ill-health, he gives up his life and his soul passes to the One Whose work he has been doing, and like Whom he has been crucified.

Eugene Aram Synopsis

Eugene Aram, devoid of opportunity as far as scholasticism is concerned, is ambitious to learn, and his labored course. of study is a source of merriment to Housman, a degenerated distant relation. Housman chances to read a letter written by a man known as Clark to his son, Walter, at Grassdale, England, to the effect that he is about to return to him with a quantity of jewels and sundry valuables, given him as a reward for saving a person's life in India. Housman sees many of the jewels and rarities and determines to rob Clark. He persuades Eugene to go in on the job with him. Clark is attacked by Housman and felled by a blow, as Eugene comes up. Clark seizes the tatter's hand as Eugene prevents another blow from being struck. Clark is killed, however, and Eugene, refusing to accept any of the money, dismisses Housman after the body has been covered up with leaves. At Grassdale, Walter is in love with Madeline, who treats him with pronounced apathy in consideration of her sister, Eleanor, who loves Walter extremely. Five years pass and Eugene is a schoolmaster in Grassdale. His mind is tortured by the vision of Clark which he continues to have. Even his pupils, with the aid of significant poems and verses, seem to be conspiring to add to his discomfort. Eugene has met Madeline and they are enamored of each other, their association firing the jealousy of Walter, who warns Madeline against Eugene. Housman and his associates force entrance into the Lester home and Eugene, who happens to be there at the time, shoots Housman, but not fatally. They recognize each other, and Eugene promises to meet Housman at the glen the next day. At the meeting Housman demands a large sum to keep from Eugene's friends the particulars of Clark's death. Subsequently Eugene goes to Housman's hovel in London and gives him the money and receives the assurance that Housman will leave the country. Walter continues to disparage Eugene in Madeline's eyes. Housman receives word that his child, Ann, is dying and holds up Walter, who is on a trip to London, and relieves him of his fleet horse. Housman arrives to find his beloved daughter dead. He enters an inn and soon is intoxicated. Some strangers are discussing the unearthing of a skeleton, supposed to be that of Clark, who disappeared five years before. Walter enters the inn and listens. Housman interrupts by stating that they are wrong, as he can show them Clark's skeleton. He goes to St. Robert's cave and shows him Clark's bones. He then tells Walter that Eugene Aram committed the murder. Eugene is arrested, tried and adjudged guilty on the strength of Housman's testimony. Walter implores Eugene to confess, promising him forgiveness, and Eugene gives the exact account of the robbery and murder. Walter believes and shows great gratitude and friendship. Madeline is approached by the now repentant Walter and is told the verdict. She crushes to her bosom the rose given her by Eugene and dies, the shock killing her. The closing scene shows Eugene on the gallows, expiating a crime that he did not commit.