Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
The Other Woman Synopsis
Langdon Kirven suffers from amnesia and has no recollection of his wife, children, or former business, having taken on another identity, that of John Gorham. After 5 years Spencer Ellis, Kirven's best friend, recognizes him in the park; but when he approaches, he notices the difference in personality and assumes that it is a matter of close resemblance. Nevertheless, Ellis offers the man a job in another city. After two years Kirven reaches a prominent position, but when he becomes engaged to Ellis' cousin, Ellis returns to expose him as a former convict and as a married man. The shock jars his memory, and he returns to his family--but only temporarily, for he again becomes John Gorham and returns to Ellis' cousin, whom he marries. When his second wife has a child, Kirven's first wife, now aware of his sickness and his position, tells him it is best to give the other woman the protection of his name.
The Masked Heart Synopsis
A gray-gowned woman at a masked ball entices wealthy society man Philip Greycourt, who is bored with easy conquests, to a hotel, then leaves without unmasking. Later, Philip visits the country home of John Villiers with a friend, and although Philip thinks that Villiers' second wife Helen, who flirts with him, is the masked woman, she denies having met him earlier. Helen's stepdaughter Catherine falls in love with Philip, but he scarcely notices her. When Villiers leaves for town one evening, Helen invites Philip to her sitting room and admits that she was the masked woman. Villiers returns unexpectedly, and seeing shadows of figures in a window embracing, he runs inside. The maid warns Helen, and Philip enters another room, where Catherine lies in bed. As Villiers pounds on the door, Catherine accepts Philip's proposal. They marry the next day; later, after Villiers dies, Helen attempts to seduce Philip, and jealously tells Catherine, whom Philip now loves, of their past. When Philip learns that Catherine has left to board a steamer, he follows, and they enjoy a honeymoon cruise.
"The Other Woman" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Masked Heart" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Other Woman