Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
The Soul Market Synopsis
Two passionate suitors pursue actress Elaine Elton Oscar Billings, the head of several large theaters, and millionaire Jack Dexter, whom she has never met. To force her to spend time with him, Jack pretends to be a chauffeur and gets a job with Elaine, who soon feels quite attracted to him. Then, Oscar combines a marriage proposal with a threat, and tells Elaine that she will never work again if she refuses to become his wife. Elaine gives in and marries Oscar, but then murders him because of his numerous affairs, after which she herself dies while trying to escape from the police. Elaine then wakes up, and after realizing that her marriage and the events that followed it were a bad dream, decides that the nightmare may have foretold the future. As a result, she ignores Oscar's threat to her career, and marries her millionaire chauffeur.
Playing with Fire Synopsis
Jean Servian's eyesight is failing and is desperate for money, marries wealthy widower Geoffrey Vane after telling him that he must be satisfied with her gratitude rather than her love. Then, following an affair with artist Philip Derblay, who finally leaves her, Jean settles down to a quiet, boring life with Geoffrey, who knows nothing about her failed romance. Years later, however, after Lucille, Geoffrey's daughter by his first wife, becomes engaged to Philip, Jean feels compelled to tell the story of her own affair with him. The disclosure has little effect as Lucille makes no change in her wedding plans, but then, when she breaks in on a violent argument between Philip and Lucille, Jean accidentally shoots and kills her former lover. A trial results in her acquittal, however, after which Jean realizes that she really does love Geoffrey, who easily forgives his wife for her past indiscretion.
"The Soul Market" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "Playing with Fire" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Soul Market