Cinema Sundays Spring 2008 Series 42!

Sunday, May 3rd, 2008 (Film starts at 11:30 bagels at 10:30)
Cinema Sundays at the Charles continues its 42nd series on May 3rd with the Maryland Film Festival’s screening of Underworld. Directed by Josef Von Sternberg. Written by Ben Hecht. Starring George Bancroft, Clive Brook, Evelyn Brent. Silent film featuring new score written and performed by the Alloy Orchestra.

USA 1927 89 minutes.

Synopsis

Underworld opens with a series of title cards setting its mood, telling of "a great city in the dead of night...streets lonely...moon clouded...buildings as empty as the cave dwellings of a forgotten age." Suddenly an explosion shatters the façade of a bank building, and the title cards announce that crime kingpin Bull Weed (George Bancroft) has "closed another account." Bull emerges from the wreckage carrying his swag, but while making his getaway, he spots a derelict (Clive Brook) wandering past, a potential witness, despite his apparent inebriated state. Instead of killing him, Weed knocks him cold, throws him in his car, and takes off, intending to figure out later what to do with his unexpected "guest." Weed turns out to be a man of many parts -- greedy and a brute when it comes to getting or keeping what he wants, but with a soft spot for the underdog, and also smart enough to recognize the importance of some knowledge that he doesn't possess. He takes a liking to the erudite but totally dissolute man, christening him "Rolls Royce" and keeping him around as an elegant stooge, advisor, and sometime driver. The man is only too happy to be taken off the streets and set up in an apartment with a full library of books at his disposal, and the two men's relationship is harmonious and mutually beneficial -- the former derelict has a home, and the crime boss gets smart advice.



Click here for official Maryland Film Festival official page.


http://www.md-filmfest.com/schedule.cfm




Cinema Sundays continues its 42nd series with the Maryland Film Festival’s Screening of the 1927 film Underworld. This Academy Award winning gangster classic features a new score performed live by the Alloy Orchestra. Please note that the film starts at 11:30 and bagels and coffee will be provided across the street at the Maryland Film Festival Tent at 10:30. (Volunteers should arrive at 9:30) Cinema Sundays members will have their card punched as normal but will not be able to bring guests. Tickets can be purchased through the Maryland Film Festival if desired.