Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
The Yellow Typhoon Synopsis
Hilda and Berta Nordstrom, although identical in appearance, are opposites in temperament. Berta weds naval engineer Robert Hallowell, deserts him in Europe, and travels to the Orient in search of the gay life where she becomes a notorious courtesan known as The Yellow Typhoon. Meanwhile, Hilda has become a secret service agent and is assigned to protect Hallowell while he perfects an invention to insure American submarines against enemy attacks. Berta, in league with saboteur Karl Lysgaard to steal the plans, raids Hallowell's bungalow and kills the engineer. However, the plans are in possession of Lieut. Commander John Mathison who is transporting them to Washington. Hilda sails aboard his ship as do Berta and Lysgaard. Mathison does not wholly trust Hilda but when she foils the plotters' final attempt to steal the plans, he becomes convinced of her sincerity. The police arrive and in the ensuing fight, Karl and Berta are slain. In Washington, Mathison and Hilda deliver the plans and declare their love for each other.
The Closing Net Synopsis
Frank Clamart, abandoned illegitimate son of a wealthy merchant, flees to Paris and joins a gang of "society crooks" led by Chu-Chu and Leontine Petrovsky, his sometime-lover. To prove his prowess to the gang and to Leontine, with whom he has fallen in love, Frank attempts to rob the house of a well-to-do family but is shot by the owner. As Leontine escapes unharmed, Frank is inspected by the owner's wife, who, recognizing a birthmark on Frank's wrist, identifies him as her husband's missing half-brother. Nursed back to health by his sister-in-law, Frank agrees to renounce his life of crime, but when a jealous Chu-Chu breaks into the house and steals the family jewels, Frank is suspected. To exonerate himself, Frank tricks Chu-Chu and retrieves the gems. Determined to have revenge, Chu-Chu tries once more to rob the house and, when caught by Frank, shoots him in the shoulder. Frank pursues Chu-Chu in a taxicab, forces him over a cliff, then leaves with his new love, the cab driver, who fires a shot that kills Chu-Chu.
"The Yellow Typhoon" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Closing Net" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Yellow Typhoon