Underworld (1927)

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Underworld (1927) -- J. von Sternberg

Pre-Dietrich silent film from von Sternberg is a rather rollicking gangster yarn with a couple of great set-pieces (the mobsters' ball and the final shoot-out, of course). The three or four central characters are larger than life, propelled through this dream-world (of Chicago?) by the usual blunt motives: love and jealousy (but also loyalty). A cut above yer usual silent fare (but not at a Murnau standard).