Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
The Speed Maniac Synopsis
Ranch owner Billy Porter leaves the wilderness to seek his fortune in San Francisco, California with his plans for an improved automobile engine. Once in the city, Billy is cheated out of his money, but he is befriended by lame newsboy Jim McClusky and his father, prizefighter Knockout McClusky. Billy trains Knockout for an important bout against "Tiger" Doran, and bets $5,000 on his friend to win. He later meets Pearl Matthews when he stops her runaway horses in a park. On the night of the boxing match, Billy discovers that Knockout has been drugged. With the aid of automobile manufacturer John B. Prescott, Billy enters the ring and defeats Tiger. He also discovers that John is his long-lost father, who initially invited Billy to go West. After perfecting his motor, Billy enters his car in a race, which he wins, along with Pearl's love.
Each to His Kind Synopsis
Rhandah, who is to succeed his father, the Maharajah of Dharpuli, is sent to Oxford to be educated. The Princess Nada, to whom he is engaged, fearful of the outcome of his journey, gives him an amulet to bring him back to her in safety. At the college, he soon becomes accustomed to English customs, but refuses all invitations into society. He meets Amy, daughter of Colonel Dawe, and they become interested in each other. Amy wagers that she can persuade the Prince to give her the amulet and succeeds in having him accept her invitation to a party; she manages to see Rhandah alone and secures the amulet. Dick Larimer, to whom Amy is engaged, denounces Amy for doing such a thing. Asa Judd, tutor to the Maharajah's son, has taken a snap shot of Amy and Rhandah and sent it to Colonel Marcy, the Resident British Councilor. Mulai Singh, an aspirant to the throne, obtains possession of the photograph. Rhandah, embittered, returns home just as the Maharajah dies. By his bedside he swears eternal vengeance on all the English and is overheard by Nada. He seeks out Mulai Singh and obtains the picture, declaring his intention of leading his people against the English, issuing a command that all captured English be brought before him. Dick is taken and Rhandah orders him to the dungeon. Amy has come to India with her father and is also taken by the outlaws, but when they see the amulet they release her. Nada recognizes her from the picture, and comes upon Rhandah and Amy as he is contemplating what he shall do with Dick. Rhandah makes advances to Amy which she dares not resent, and tells him she will do anything to save Dick, but he replies there is nothing that will save her sweetheart. Nada, listening, ready to kill Amy with a dagger, overhears and rushes into Rhandah's arms vowing her belief in him. At Amy's solicitation, Nada intercedes and Dick is set free. All the trouble and turmoil is at last ended, and both couples are happy.
"The Speed Maniac" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "Each to His Kind" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Speed Maniac