Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
The Perfect Lover Synopsis
Brian Lazar returns to his shabby dwelling after pawning a valuable ring. A woman, accompanied by a detective, accuses him of being a thief, but, before his arrest, Brian pleads for the opportunity to tell his story. Brian is a struggling artist when he meets Mrs. Byfield, who feigns interest in his work in order to become romantically involved with him. After painting her portrait, Brian becomes a favorite among society women because he is the perfect lover. He goes to live among the women whose husbands are too busy to give them love. Brian's downfall begins after he and Mrs. Byfield are discovered in a compromising position. He becomes aware of the futility of the life he is leading and returns to the town in which he grew up. There he falls in love with Eileen Hawthorn, the daughter of his former teacher. He and his new wife return to the city, where they live in poverty. One of the women he formerly knew gives him a valuable ring to pawn, and it is she who accuses him of the theft. After Brian tells his story, the detective remains unconvinced of his innocence. Brian then shows them his wife and newborn baby. The woman repents and leaves the couple to their happiness.
His Wife's Good Name Synopsis
Mary Ellen McKay, a country girl, comes to New York to become a singer. She stops at a furnished room house, and expends her savings on useless lessons, for her voice is only mediocre. Harry Weatherby is a disappointment of his millionaire father, who hopes to make him a captain of industry. Instead, Harry is a ne'er-do-well. While visiting Dr. Cameron, a friend of the family, he sees Mary Ellen across the way, and a flirtation starts. It eventually results in marriage. Harry is afraid to break the news to his stern father; his mother does, and he does. Enraged, Weatherby visits Mary and tries to buy her off. But she spurns his money, and he changes his tactics. He tells her he likes her, that he will give a party in honor of the marriage. He enlists the aid of Silk Harrington, who brings along a number of his smart tenderloin friends who pass themselves off as society. They influence her to drink, and soon she is acting very foolish. Harry arrives, sees her condition, and denounces her, thinking this is her true self. Harry's father leaves her a check for $10,000 before he goes, if she will promise never to see Harry again. She crumples the check in her hand, when the truth dawns upon her, and it is later picked up by Silk Harrington, who plans to use it. Mary goes home, thoroughly crushed and humiliated. She tries to commit suicide, but a friend. Kate Weld, a trained nurse, who lives across the hall, and Dr. Cameron save her life. Learning she is a stranger in New York, Dr. Cameron takes her to his country home to recuperate. Harry plunges into business to forget, and his father is happy. Mary recovers her health, but her faith is shattered. She wants to go out into the world now and have a good time. Dr. Cameron argues in vain. He decides to take her sightseeing. First he takes her to Cherry's, then to the Haymarket, where she sees the broken-down men and women. He tells her that is the price that must be paid. Lastly he takes her to his mission on the East Side. Here he tells her a story. He, too, was in love and lost. He tried everything in his pursuit of forgetfulness, and finally discovered solace for his sorrow in brightening the lives of others. Mary tells him she, too, wants to do this work. Meanwhile Harrington tries to pass the check. Harry is summoned to the bank and learns the truth through Harrington. He goes home and a big scene follows between him and his father. He eventually locates Mary. At first she does not want to forgive him, but she finally capitulates.
"The Perfect Lover" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "His Wife's Good Name" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Perfect Lover