Underworld
(a.k.a. "Paying the Penalty" -- UK)

US (1927): Crime/Film-Noir/Silent

Arthur Rosson began directing this film, but he was fired and was replaced by Josef von Sternberg -- in his first professional film, and the film that launched his very successful career. This late silent from Paramount concerns a gang leader (George Bancroft) who rehabilitates a highly intelligent down-and-out former lawyer (Clive Brook) who is on the skids and later becomes the brains of his operation. The lawyer falls for his friend's girl (Evelyn Brent), but both are too noble to betray their friend. However, the gangster gets wind, gets jealous, and the ultimate showdown is inevitable.

The film was predicted to be a flop, was shelved by the studio and eventually released in only one theater in New York. Screenwriter Ben Hecht demanded that his name was taken off the credits. As a result of strong word-of-mouth the movie became an enormous hit and won Hecht the first of his two Academy Awards^®. A favorite of audiences and critics alike, Underworld is credited as the first gangster film, and the model for the popular genre.

Titles written by George Marion Jr.

· Writing (Best Original Story) 1927-28: Ben Hecht

1 nomination, 1 Award