Films/DVD Asylum

"The Underworld:" perhaps the first "modern" gangster film and certainly, in 1921, the one that

67.160.130.12

tinear

started the genre.
The story is quite simple: a drunk is rehabilitated by a gangster boss and falls for the moll, and she for him.
Yes, it's a silent film and, again yes, the score is Velveeta, but the acting is superb, and for 2/3rds of the film, it appears that von Sternberg has crafted a classic.
But don't let my quibble stand in your way: the four principal actors are every bit as good as any working today, and the moll is electrifyingly beautiful and sexy.
(Netflix)

Follow Ups:

Except that you have the year wrong for Von Sternberg's film. - Audiophilander 13:33:05 05/30/12 (3)
I believe Underworld was released in 1928.

Yes, Underworld is a superb film; most of Von Sternberg's late silent and early sound films are brilliant and groundbreaking for their time.

Highly recommended.
- We're both wrong, 'tis '27. nt - tinear 16:49:11 05/30/12 (2)
  fds
  - Right you are, August of '27 in fact. - Audiophilander 03:25:46 05/31/12 (1)
    I was working from a recollection of the history. Underworld was the first of his three silent gangster films, the other two being The Dragnet and Docks of New York, both released in '28; all three starred George Bancroft.
    
    If I'm not mistaken The Dragnet is a lost film. I have seen Docks of New York, and it is excellent.
    
    Cheers,
    AuPh
    - "Docks" arrives in a few days from Netflix. I cannot wait. nt - tinear 07:45:35 05/31/12 (0)
      fds

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