Underworld

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Zachary V Having previously watched Howard Hawks' Scarface I was struck by how much of this film seems to influence the later one (I've since discovered that Underworld and Scarface share a screenwriter in Ben Hecht). The lit-up billboard with the words "The City is Yours" was an idea that clearly influenced "The World is Yours" in Scarface. There were several other plot elements the two films have in common, and perhaps the biggest difference between them is that Underworld is a silent picture and Scarface is a talkie. I would say that is a major part of what has made the latter a classic and the former largely forgotten to those who are not gangster or silent film afficionados. Overall, although I would say Scarface is the better picture, there are some compelling performances, cinematography and a nuanced portrayal of the conflict between love and loyalty in the love triangle. This makes for an interesting and at times compelling first step in a genre that has proven to be a perennial favorite throughout subsequent film history, the gangster film. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 07/23/25 Full Review Steve D Ok but there isn't much memorable here including the acting. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/20/24 Full Review david f A great silent film and the progenitor of the gangster film. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member The best gangster movie ever made! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/26/23 Full Review Audience Member An underappreciated, late great of the silent era. Precedent setting for numerous crime films to come, some masterful moments of cinematography, with a great story and well formed characters. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/19/23 Full Review Audience Member An electrifying gangster picture focusing on a rivalry between to major gangsters in Chicago Bull Weed & Meaghan. Bull Weed's right hand man is a smart guy & beginning to fall in love with Weed's girl. Shot immaculately by Josef Von Sternberg this film has such a distinct visual flair with the aid of mood lighting and smoke. Moves fast & packs a punch this film is quite entertaining. Clive Brook (Rolls Royce [Weed's 2IC]) really pushes the story along. An interesting Silent Gangster Film. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Underworld

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