I doubt when Josef Von Sternberg filmed Underworld he knew he was creating an entirely new genre in films. What I don't doubt is that Von Sternberg had a complete understanding of how to integrate the visual elements to the story. The is an extremely well made film.
Everything about this film is first rate, the photography, the set design, the acting and the story. It's amazing to see a film that actually succeeds in every area for a change. It's hard to believe this was Von Sternberg's first major film.
Underworld was written by Ben Hecht and Jules Furthman, parts of it turn up in Howard Hawk's films Scarface and Rio Bravo. Also, the female lead character "Feathers" shows up in Rio Bravo as well.
A very impressive silent film from Criterion's Von Sternberg trilogy.
80 minutes.
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