Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
The Spender Synopsis
Peter Lobert lets his reckless carelessness plunge him heavily into debt just once too often, and is sent away by his indignant father, to seek his fortune as best he may. Bagley, the faithful old family servitor, casts his lot with his young master. That night, at the Royal Arms, Peter's favorite café, he tells his boon companions of his misfortune. The picture of an American heiress gives him an inspiration, and he declares his intention of going to America, masquerading as a prince, and winning the hand of the Yankee newly-rich. And so they set out, Peter and Bagley. As a prince, it doesn't take Peter long to gain entrance to the McCabe home, and as a lover it doesn't take him long to gain admission to Nellie McCabe's heart. They are married, much against the wishes of Pat McCabe, who doesn't put his faith in princes, and who orders Peter, now that he has her to take care of her. This hasn't been Peter's idea at all, but since it has come to a showdown, he tells her of his poverty, and she, though disillusioned, sticks bravely by him. Peter and Bagley get a job in McCabe's factory, unknown to McCabe. The latter has trouble with his help, who are incited to strike and riot by Jim Walsh, a walking delegate. Here are some tremendous scenes, in which Walsh's factory is set afire, a troop of cavalry rushed to the rescue, and old Bagley saved by Peter, who keeps the mob back by holding a lighted cigarette over a keg of dynamite. Bagley is dumbfounded when he learns the identity of his rescuer, but Peter explains it all when he says he simply couldn't let his baby's grandfather get hurt. There is a touching reconciliation at the end.
The Precious Parcel Synopsis
The story deals with a young man who performs an unusual service for Great Britain under the auspices of "The Younger Sons," an organization of the younger sons of British nobles. He is ordered to marry an American girl, because by so doing he automatically annuls an old grant of hers to a throne in Canada. His instructions are to open a packet on a certain day, and when he does, just after his marriage, he learns that unwittingly he has carried out his orders.
"The Spender" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Precious Parcel" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Spender