Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
The Vermilion Pencil Synopsis
Tse Chan, a Chinese viceroy, believing his wife to be unfaithful, sentences her to death. After learning of her innocence too late, he sends his son, Li Chan, to America and goes into seclusion. Li Chan returns to the fatherland as a successful engineer and falls in love with Hyacinth, daughter of a poor basket-weaver. She is kidnapped by the viceroy, and thinking she has deserted him, Li Chan goes to the city and becomes famous as a teacher. Engaged to give private lessons to the niece of Ho Ling, he soon learns that his pupil is none other than Hyacinth, and he plans an escape for her. They seek refuge in the caverns of "The Sleeping Dragon," an active volcano, but overcome by fumes, they are forced to surrender and are sentenced to the torture of Ling Chee by the lifting of the "Vermilion Pencil." During an eruption of the volcano, the lovers escape and flee from the city.
The Jackeroo of Coolabong Synopsis
Brian O'Farrell (Snowy Baker), is an English 'new chum' who takes a job at an Australian cattle station. He is teased by station hands because of his appearance (including spats and a monocle) but he soon impresses them with his skills at riding and boxing. The station manager, John MacDonald (Wilfred Lucas), takes O'Farrell to Sydney to meet his daughter Edith (Kathleen Key) who is working in the slums. Edith is kidnapped by criminals after witnessing a crime but O'Farrell rescues her. It is later revealed he is the owner of the station.
"The Vermilion Pencil" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Jackeroo of Coolabong" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Vermilion PencilBoth films share