Josef von Sternberg

Underworld

Underworld

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.

Film Info

  • United States
  • 1927
  • 81 minutes
  • Black & White
  • 1.33:1
  • Silent
  • Spine #529

Available In

Collector's Set

3 Silent Classics by Josef von Sternberg

3 Silent Classics by Josef von Sternberg

Blu-ray Box Set

3 Discs

$79.96

Underworld
Cast
George Bancroft
Bull Weed
Evelyn Brent
Feathers
Clive Brook
Rolls Royce
Fred Kohler
Buck Mulligan
Helen Lynch
His Girl
Larry Semon
Slippy Lewis
Jerry Mandy
Paloma
Credits
Director
Josef von Sternberg
Photographed by
Bert Glennon
Edited by
E. Lloyd Sheldon
Story by
Ben Hecht
Adaptation by
Charles Furthman
Screenplay
Robert N. Lee

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