Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
The Prodigal Liar Synopsis
When Jim Rainey receives a letter from his niece, Hope Deering, who lives in New England, that she will visit his Western ranch and expects romance and adventure, he pastes a photograph of his friend, Percival Montgomery Edwards, on the wanted poster of murderer Steve Logan. Logan is in jail awaiting a trial, so Jim persuades "Monte" to assume Logan's role. Monte moves to Logan's dugout abode, and tantalizes Hope with lurid tales of his misdoings. She falls in love and after he explains that his life as a badman began when he was struck on the head, Jim tells Hope to cure him by hitting his head again. Logan breaks out of prison and, through his window, sees Hope knock Monte unconscious. After Logan abducts her, Monte awakens and pursues them. When he sees Logan threaten to kill Hope to make a posse disperse, Monte places his signet ring at Logan's neck and says it is a gun. Logan surrenders, and even though Hope learns the truth about Monte, she still loves him.
The Valiants of Virginia Synopsis
During a dance, John Valiant challenges duel Edward Sassoon to defend the honor of Virginia beauty, Judith Fairfax, John promises Judith he won't take the life to his opponent, but when the smoke clears, Sassoon lies dead and John must flee North. Before he leaves, John entrusts Major Bristow to deliver an explanatory note to Judith, but, torn by his own desire for the Southern belle, Bristow pockets the letter instead. In the North, John founds a successful business and marries, but his young wife dies while giving birth to a son. Filled with hatred for John, Judith marries Tom Dandridge and has a daughter, Shirley. Many years later, John, Jr., now head of the Valiant Corporation, becomes engaged to Katherine Fargo. In order to save his company during a business panic, John must stake his entire fortune and, with his financial situation looking dim, loses Katherine's interest. In despair, John returns to his father's estate and falls in love with Shirley Dandridge. To rekindle her romance with John, Katherine tells Shirley of the family feud and Shirley suddenly cools toward John. On his deathbed, Barstow finally gives Judith John's letter in which John reveals that Edward had shot himself during the duel. John and Shirley are happily reconciled.
"The Prodigal Liar" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Valiants of Virginia" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Prodigal Liar