Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
The Wax Model Synopsis
Julie Davenant is the neglected daughter of a Parisian dancer who, tired of her life, commits suicide. With her last breath she tells Julie not to trust men. Julie begins her battle with life as a nursemaid. Sculptor John Ramsey spies the beautiful little girl, gives her his card, and when she is discharged from her nursemaid position she becomes his model. She becomes the most talked-of model in Paris, and modiste Hermineux pays her a handsome sum to have her likeness made in wax, on which he displays his gowns. Julie meets Melville Ilchester, who seems "different." He also falls deeply in love with her. Ilchester, to satisfy a query in his mind if Julie is really "different," goes to her flat at night and walks in just as she, on a dare, takes a sip of wine and lights a cigarette. He refuses to listen to her explanation. In a moment of despair, Ilchester smashes both window and model at the Hermineux shop. Julie surmises Helen (Ilchester's sister) and Ramsey's plan to elope, sends Ilchester a note to go to Ramsey's because a friend is in danger, tells Helen that Ramsey is married, and hides her as Ilchester enters Ramsey's studio. Ilchester, believing this is a ruse of Julie's, leaves, still refusing to allow Julie to explain. Heartbroken she abandons her profession as a model and becomes destitute. She sends Ilchester a last note of appeal, which Helen accidentally sees, and after hearing the truth from his sister, Ilchester hastens to Julie, explanations are made and their happiness is assured.
The Right Direction Synopsis
Young Polly Eccles is raising her sickly young brother Billy. When her doctor advises taking Billy away from their dank slum, she packs them both up and they head for California. While hitchhiking there, they are picked up by Kirk Drummond, who just happens to be driving to California himself. Upon their arrival, Kirk's wealthy father John is horrified that he has hooked up with a "lower-class" woman like Polly and does everything he can to make life miserable for her so she will leave. However, an incident occurs at the mine John's father owns that could turn out badly for all concerned.
"The Wax Model" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Right Direction" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Wax Model