Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
The Sealed Envelope Synopsis
Peter James Slaney, just released from prison, is the only boarder who is kind to Lena, the maid at the cheap Paris Hotel. So that Lena can leave her abusive landlady, Slaney accepts $2,500 from a stranger, who threatens to send Slaney back to prison unless he undertakes a job. Slaney is sent to the home of political boss John Biggs with a sealed envelope which he is to open after entering. When a grieving child in the house complains of being mistreated by Biggs, Slaney takes her to Lena and throws the envelope away. When Slaney is later arrested, Lena and the child hide out. After Slaney's release, thugs beat him and he winds up in the county hospital. In the midst of a heated political campaign, Biggs submits to Lena's blackmailing, and Slaney learns that the brother of Bigg's divorced wife originally hired him to kidnap the child. After the child is returned to her mother, Slaney and Lena head for the country to start a new life.
The Velvet Hand Synopsis
On a beach in southern Italy, Gianna Russelli practices her dancing with her devoted brother Russino, looking forward to the day when she will begin formal dance studies. One day the beautiful Countess Michetti comes to the village and engages in a flirtation with Russino, but when her former lover, Prince Viscomte, arrives with his closest friend, Count Paul Trovelli, the countess resumes her affair with the prince. Finding them together, Russino attacks the prince, who stabs the boy and flees, just as the count enters the room. Gianna sees Trovelli standing over her brother's body and makes a vow to ruin and then kill the count. As a famous dancer in Milan, she later charms the count into falling in love with her, spends all of his money, and is about to kill him when she realizes that she loves him. Gianna's agony turns to joy, however, when, with news of the prince's death, the count finally reveals that his friend committed the crime.
"The Sealed Envelope" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Velvet Hand" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Sealed Envelope