Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
The Son of Wallingford Synopsis
Jimmy Wallingford leaves home with his adopted brother, "Toad," after his parents, J. Rufus and Fannie Wallingford, become convinced that he has inherited their criminal tendencies. In a distant village, Toad finds evidence of an oil well on the Curtis farm, the home of Jimmy's new girl friend, Mary. After their investment proves to be fruitless, J. Rufus arrives in town disguised as an East Indian and makes promises of great prosperity to the villagers. He and his accomplice, Blackie Daw, purchase a plot of land from Henry Beegoode, "strike" oil (pumped from tank cars), and sell stock in their enterprise. However, Henry denies having sold the land to J. Rufus, and claims that there is no bill of sale. During an oil fire that nearly traps Jimmy and his friends, the elder Wallingford admits that the well is a ploy to expose Henry, a swindler who has sold the same property several times over. J. Rufus obtains an authentic bill of sale, after which Jimmy strikes oil on the land.
The Great Shadow Synopsis
Jim McDonald, the foreman of a shipbuilding plant and head of the labor union, strives to combat the anarchistic propaganda being put forth by Klimoff, the leader of a Bolshevik gang whose goal is to disrupt the country with strikes and anarchy. Despite McDonald's efforts, a strike is called, resulting in chaos. McDonald's child is knocked down by runaway horses abandoned by their striking driver, and dies. Mob scenes take place in America, as well as in Russia. Eventually, the unrest is quelled with an armistice called between Capital and Labor for a year, during which time wages are to be increased to reflect the cost of living, and leaders are to work out a common plan for their mutual advantage. The strikers now realize that they have been pawns of the Bolsheviks and call off the strike, agreeing to the plan.
"The Son of Wallingford" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Great Shadow" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Son of WallingfordBoth films share