Cinematography:
Bert GlennonPlots(1)
Josef von Sternberg’s riveting breakthrough is widely considered the film that launched the American gangster genre as we know it. George Bancroft plays heavy Bull Weed, a criminal kingpin whose jealous devotion to his moll, Feathers (Evelyn Brent), gets him into hot water with a rival hood and, ultimately, the authorities. Further complicating matters is the attraction that blossoms between Feathers and an alcoholic former lawyer (Clive Brook). With its supple, endlessly expressive camera work and tightly wound screenplay based on a story by legendary scribe Ben Hecht (who won an Oscar for it the first year the awards were given),Underworld solidified von Sternberg’s place as one of Hollywood’s most exciting new talents. (Criterion)
(more)Cast
George Bancroft
USA
Best movies:
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936)
Underworld (1927)
Angels with Dirty Faces (1938)
Evelyn Brent
USA
Best movies:
Underworld (1927)
The Last Command (1928)
Paramount on Parade (1930)
Clive Brook
UK
Best movies:
Underworld (1927)
Paramount on Parade (1930)
Shanghai Express (1932)
Fred Kohler
USA
Best movies:
Behind the Door (1919)
Underworld (1927)
The Plainsman (1936)
Julian Rivero
USA
Best movies:
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
East of Eden (1955)
Bernadette (1943)