Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
The Whisper Market Synopsis
Juliet and George Saltmarsh, ex-blackmailers and opium smugglers, have secured passports, but their co-worker Burke is prevented from leaving Brazil due to the suspicions of the American consul, Basil North. To circumvent North's interference, Juliet cultivates the friendship of the consul's wife, Erminie. Unknown to her husband, Erminie accepts the Saltmarshes' invitation to a party during which she is lured into a compromising position with Burke and photos are snapped of the pair. In her effort to regain the negatives, Erminie goes to Burke's hotel room and begs for the photos. At that moment, North, accompanied by the police, arrives to search the blackmailer's suite. Touched by Erminie's innocence, Burke hides her in a room and offers to confess to North if his visitor is allowed to remain anonymous. North consents, and after Burke's arrest, Erminie intercedes to gain permission for him to leave the country. She succeeds in her efforts, the Saltmarshes are convicted of smuggling, and Basil North remains forever ignorant of his wife's indiscretion.
The Call of the Dance Synopsis
Jim Hall tries to discourage his daughter Natalie's love of dancing, but the girl finds a warm friend in old Carlo, a musician. Natalie's beauty attracts Brace's attention. At the latter's orders, Spud Howell kidnaps the girl. Hall, attempting to interfere, is slain. Marston, assistant district attorney, is ignorant of the fact that his uncle, Fisk, is the head of the vice ring. Marston discovers Natalie's predicament and rescues her. Falling in love with the girl, he obtains a position for her in a friend's office. Natalie resigns when her employer later makes love to her. The girl lands a position in the chorus of a musical comedy company. Her dancing attracts the manager's attention and when the principal falls ill, Natalie takes her place. The girl's wonderful dancing makes her famous. Marston, who had lost track of Natalie, finds her again when he visits the theater. Fisk, madly in love with the girl, invites her to a dinner he is giving. Carlo, employed at the restaurant where this function is held, recognizes in Fisk the man who had blasted his life. When Natalie and Fisk's friends accompany the man to his apartment, Carlo follows. Marston trails the party in an auto. Later, Fisk contrives to get Natalie alone. Marston, hearing the girl's cries for help, batters down the door. He comes in time to see Carlo, who had climbed through a window, shoot the girl's assailant. Brace, in coming to his master's assistance, shoots at Marston but misses and kills Carlo. While the murderer is placed under arrest, Marston takes Natalie in his arms.
"The Whisper Market" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Call of the Dance" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Whisper Market