Underworld (1927) – The Birth of the Gangster Film

Widely regarded as the first true mobster movie, Underworld (1927) laid the foundation for the entire gangster genre that would dominate Hollywood in the decades to follow. Directed by Josef von Sternberg and written by Ben Hecht—who would later become one of Hollywood’s most celebrated screenwriters—the film set a new standard for gritty realism, stylish visuals, and morally complex characters.

Production & Script
The script, penned by Ben Hecht (who won the very first Academy Award for Best Original Story for his work on the film), drew inspiration from the real-life rise of organized crime in Chicago during the Prohibition era. Hecht had been a journalist in Chicago and infused his screenplay with authentic underworld detail, a bold move at a time when Hollywood had yet to truly explore crime in such depth. The film was shot over just a few weeks, though von Sternberg’s meticulous direction made it appear far grander and more atmospheric than its modest budget would suggest.

The Cast
The film starred George Bancroft as "Bull" Weed, a tough but oddly sympathetic gangster whose loyalty and passion drive the story. Evelyn Brent, one of silent cinema’s most glamorous stars, played "Feathers" McCoy, the conflicted love interest torn between loyalty and love. Clive Brook portrayed "Rolls Royce" Wensel, the intellectual alcoholic who becomes entangled in Bull Weed’s world. Each actor brought a distinct texture to their role—Bancroft’s physicality, Brent’s magnetic allure, and Brook’s melancholy gravitas—and their performances helped elevate Underworld beyond a simple crime tale.

A Silent Film with Music & Style
As a silent film, Underworld relied on live musical accompaniment in theaters. Scores were often improvised by house musicians or drawn from studio cue sheets, giving the movie a different emotional tone depending on the venue. Von Sternberg’s visual style—rich with shadows, smoky atmospheres, and urban grit—supplied much of the “music” itself through imagery, rhythm, and editing.

Challenges & Breakthroughs
Initially, Paramount executives were hesitant, fearing the film’s dark subject matter would repel audiences. Yet von Sternberg’s artistry and Hecht’s sharp script created a balance of danger, romance, and moral complexity. The studio almost shelved the film, but after a successful test screening, it was released—and became a sensation.

Reception & Legacy
Underworld was a box office triumph, proving that audiences were hungry for crime dramas that mirrored the headlines of the day. The film’s success shocked Hollywood, opening the floodgates for the gangster cycle of the late 1920s and early 1930s. It directly inspired classics like Little Caesar (1931), The Public Enemy (1931), and Scarface (1932).

Ben Hecht’s Academy Award win cemented the screenplay’s place in history, while Josef von Sternberg’s reputation skyrocketed, leading to his later collaborations with Marlene Dietrich. Underworld also transformed George Bancroft and Evelyn Brent into major stars of the silent era.

Why It Matters Today
Nearly a century later, Underworld remains a milestone—the film that first glamorized and humanized the gangster while simultaneously warning of the consequences of crime. Its blend of style, grit, and moral ambiguity continues to resonate, reminding us why it is celebrated as the movie that created the mobster genre.