I wouldn't say Cameron's movie pales in comparison. I like both, but probably slightly prefer the earlier film. I also like Titanic with Clifton Webb and Barbara Stanwyck. The ending, with Clifton Webb and his son and the rest of the people on board singing "Nearer My God to Thee" is better than the endings of either of the other two IMHO.
Thanks for that recommendation...I’ll check it out.