Film vs Film
Select two cult films to compare side by side.
With Hoops of Steel Synopsis
Tommy and Nick, independent ranchers who have joined with Emerson Mead in fighting Col. Whittaker's corrupt Fillmore Cattle Company, vow to stay by their friend when he is accused of murdering Will Whittaker, the colonel's missing son. To escape arrest, Emerson leaves town but returns upon learning that the woman he loves, Marguerite Delarue, is engaged to Albert Wellesley. Emerson is arrested immediately, but on the day of his trial, Marguerite's baby brother Paul is reported missing. When Tommy and Nick offer themselves to the sheriff as hostages, the judge allows Emerson to search for the child. After locating the boy, Emerson discovers that young Whittaker is not dead but only hiding from his father to conceal his secret marriage to Amanda Garcia. His name cleared, Emerson returns as a hero in the eyes of the townspeople, which deeply impresses the grateful Marguerite.
Todd of the Times Synopsis
Although he is known for having the "keenest nose for news" on the Springfield Evening Times , city editor Theobald Todd lacks the assertiveness to realize his dream of becoming the managing editor when the position opens. Married to a domineering former widow who runs a boardinghouse and dotes on her overgrown, lazy son Roy, Todd is henpecked into getting Roy a job on the paper. After the owner puts Todd in charge when he goes away for a few days, Todd and his star reporter, although hampered by Roy's interference, expose a gambling ring whose members operate under the guise of stock brokers, in defiance of the newly-passed anti-betting law, led by the town's self-appointed head of an anti vice crusade. The paper's "extra" receives the commendation of the returning owner, who gives Todd the managing editor position. At home, Todd smashes the parlor furniture and proves he is "managing editor of his own establishment," thus ending his wife's reign of terror.
"With Hoops of Steel" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "Todd of the Times" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
With Hoops of Steel