Winner of 1 Academy Award:
It won 1 Oscar out of a total of 1 nomination in 1927-28.
- Best Writing (Original Story)
- Ben Hecht
Underworld centers around the dirty dealings of a gangster named Bull Weed, who helps an alcoholic lawyer named Rolls Royce get back on his feet. As Bull battles it out with rival kingpin, Buck Mulligan, trouble with the law lurks around the corner. Things are made even more complicated when Bull realizes that his girl, Feathers, has been two-timing him with Rolls Royce.
This movie is given credit for being what created the popularity for gangster films.
Originally, Paramount Pictures had predicted that the film would be a massive failure. So much so, that it was not only shelved, but writer Ben Hecht - who would go on to win an Oscar for his writing - had even requested that his name be taken off of the picture. It was eventually released to one theater, and the word-of-mouth was so strong, that it went on to become a box office sensation.
Editorial:
This is a really good film, with wonderful photography, great music, and a more complex story than you would find in most silent films. It is a bold effort that has a lot to offer.
I imagine that many would be quick to compare it to its genre counterpart, The Racket (1928), but the two are completely different films - in both style and tone. Underworld differs in that it celebrates the villains, not the heroes. It compels you to root for the gangsters, which was an innovative concept at the time.
Score | 06/10 | This motion picture is worth watching.
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