Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
The Mystery of Lost Ranch Synopsis
Two men claiming to be scientists arrive in Arizona looking for Blair, a fellow scientist who disappeared while developing a death ray. The men hire Jim Wilson (Pete Morrison), who finds Blair living with his daughter on a ranch in an inaccessible valley near the Grand Canyon, where the scientist is testing his ray on birds and wild animals. Jim then discovers that the two men from the East are, in reality, agents of a foreign government, who hope to steal Blair's invention. Jim quickly sides with Blair, defeating the foreign agents with the help of Blair's daughter, whom he comes to love. Jim hands the agents over to law officers and returns to the ranch in Lost Valley.
Man's Plaything Synopsis
While working as a flower girl in Devlin Maddox's nightclub, Nellie Vaughan meets wealthy young Pelton Van Teel and falls in love. Maddox, desirous of using Nellie to blackmail Van Teel, spreads a rumor that she is his mistress. This makes Nellie uncomfortable, and she demands that Van Teel marry her immediately, to which he agrees. Meanwhile, Van Teel has been losing money gambling to Maddox, who threatens to break up the marriage by producing a worthless check that the young husband has written. Venturing to Maddox's apartment for a showdown, Nellie pulls a gun and demands the check, accidentally shooting Maddox when he throws a lamp at her. Maddox plans to charge Nellie with assault, but when the police arrive, his butler, actually a detective employed by the elder Van Teel, exposes Maddox, who is then arrested, clearing the path for the couple's happiness.
"The Mystery of Lost Ranch" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "Man's Plaything" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Mystery of Lost RanchBoth films share