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Select two cult films to compare side by side.
The Slim Princess Synopsis
Gloom overcasts the palace of Count Selim Nalagaski, governor general of Morovenia, Turkey. All efforts to make the count's elder daughter, the Princess Kalora, fat, synonymous with beauty in that country, have failed. Popova, the Princess's tutor, devises a terrible revenge because the count called him a Christian dog. He feeds the princess pickles to keep her thin. The beaux of the country pay assiduous court to the Princess Jeneka, the younger daughter, but the laws of the country forbid her marrying before her elder sister. As a last resort the count orders the slim princess to stuff her clothing with pillows and invites all the dandies to a garden party. But they are deceived. They try the weight of the princess and find her as light as a feather. Coming uninvited to the party is Alexander H. Pike, an American millionaire. He falls in love with the princess and comforts her by showing her pictures in a magazine, proving that in his country slim persons are considered most beautiful. But Pike is discovered by the count's slaves and barely escapes with his life. He returns to America. The count finds an advertisement in a magazine Pike had dropped in his flight, which promises to make thin persons fat. He sends the princess to America to try the cure. T'here she meets Pike, who renews his courtship. But the impatient count learns from the ambassador that the princess is getting no fatter and orders her to return. Pike follows. The young American then visits the court, tells the count he is Grand Exalted Ruler of a fraternal order, a Knight Templar and King of the Hoo Hoos, and asks for the hand of his daughter. The count, much impressed with the titles, consents, especially after he finds that it is the slim princess the American loves. The cloud of gloom is lifted from the palace and Pike prepares to leave with the princess for America, where she can have all the varieties of pickles to suit her taste.
According to the Code Synopsis
Basil Breckenridge, a broken old man on the verge of starvation, but concealing it because of his proud southern ancestry, is set upon by young ruffians on the street. The old man becomes infuriated and gives the young leader a shaking. His father, Ald. Connors, the city's political boss, happens along and attacks the old man, who strikes at him with his cane. The sword blade inside falls out and the police arrest him on the charge of assault with intent to kill. Col. Wright, attorney for the friendless, takes his case. It comes up before Judge Andrews. John Andrews, protégé of Boss Connors, has just been made assistant district attorney, and is there to prosecute. The aged defendant sees the scar on the judge's forehead and hears his name. He sees the two as rival captains in the Civil War, the Confederate picking up the wounded Union officer and taking him to his home. He recalls that when he was believed dead the Northerner took his young wife and baby home with him. Both are near him now, the first time he has seen either for decades. His wife sits behind him, his son is prosecuting him. The scar on the judge's forehead is the mark of their secret duel. A sword, awarded Capt. Knighton for gallantry and pawned by the aged defendant the day before is introduced at the trial but the defendant disclaims ownership. Recognition comes on the part of Judge and Mrs. Andrews and in chambers they plead with Connors and their son, but to no avail. The prisoner's head sinks to his breast when the jury returns. He does not rise when bidden. "Your honor," says Col. Wright, after a pause, "The defendant has taken his case to a higher court." Reverently, Judge Andrews and his wife place the historic sword in the still hands of the late defendant as they are the only persons in the crowded courtroom knowing to whom it rightfully belonged.
"The Slim Princess" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "According to the Code" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Slim Princess