Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
The Oakdale Affair Synopsis
Refusing to marry her stepmother's choice, Gail Prim leaves her life of luxury after cutting her hair, dressing in her butler's clothes, and stealing money and jewels from her father's safe. Spending the night in a barn, she introduces herself to the thieves already there as the Oskaloosa Kid, a wanted criminal, and barely escapes their struggle to get her loot. Meanwhile, the real Oskaloosa Kid kills Reginald Paynter and throws Nettie Penning, whom Reginald was trying to seduce, onto the highway. Gail and Arthur Stockbridge, a friendly tramp who helped her, find Nettie and take her to a deserted house, where they meet Gioja, a gypsy, and her performing bear. After Nettie is seized by crooks and returned to her father for a reward, Gail and Arthur are arrested as suspected killers of the missing Gail. Gail's father stops a mob about to lynch them by confirming her identity, after which Arthur, really an author looking for atmosphere, wins Gail's affection.
The Man on the Box Synopsis
Lieutenant Bob Warburton is wounded during an encounter with the Indians and taken to the home of Col. Annesley for medical treatment. Recovering, Bob finds that his service in the army has expired and he says he is penniless. However he is rich in romance and becomes fascinated by the Colonel's daughter, Betty. Betty, not knowing who Bob is, offers him a position as coachman, which he accepts. Many and varied are Bob's experiences as "The Man on the Box" of the Annesley coach. Becoming implicated in a plot to defraud the United States Government of important plans, he thwarts the attempts of a Russian Count and saves important plans. Betty, while visiting Bob's sister, who is a dear friend, learns from Bob's photograph who he is, but allows him to continue as coachman. Bob is entirely ignorant of Betty's knowledge of his identity. Betty's father loses his money, then Bob discloses his identity and admits he is the possessor of a large fortune in his own right. However, Betty's and Bob's romance is one of pure love and, after a series of intrigues, plots and counter-plots, all of which "The Man on the Box" foils, the couple are married and live happily ever after.
"The Oakdale Affair" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Man on the Box" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Oakdale Affair