Law of the Underworld

Law of the Underworld is a captivating crime-drama film that sets the tone for the classic films of the 1930s era. Premiered in 1938, the film is notable for its superb direction and masterful scripting. Made with an undercurrent of suspense that hooks the audience from the start, it carries the essence of a classic noir film and is set in the very heart of 1930s America, amidst the widespread crime wave. The film represents the rise of corruption and gangsters with an effective sense of reality, faithfully depicting life from that period.

The film opens with the lead character, John 'Johnny' Courtney, portrayed by Chester Morris. Johnny is an honest and tormented man who is forcefully entangled in the grimy underworld of organised crime. Chester Morris’ compelling screen presence and captivating performance give life to Johnny's complex character, making him the tragic hero of the narrative.

Johnny, initially a decent entrepreneur running a successful transportation service, becomes reluctantly involved with a ruthless crime syndicate. His only crime is being a devoted brother who wants to shield his younger sibling Dale, played by William Henry, from incarceration. Dale is charged with embezzlement, the blame for which he takes to protect the real culprit, a corrupt associate. Willing to do whatever it takes to save his brother, Johnny enters into a perilous negotiation with the crime boss, Pete Dailey, brilliantly enacted by Eduardo Ciannelli.

Eduardo Ciannelli captures Dailey’s charismatic yet cold-blooded character perfectly. Despite being a criminal mastermind, Dailey has a unique sense of business acumen, cunning mind and a dark charm that Ciannelli brings to life. Dailey runs an illegal operation under the shadow of a legitimate business and pulls the strings from behind the scenes. Seeing Johnny’s desperation to save his brother, Dailey manipulates him into becoming an integral part of his notorious organisation, promising to resolve his brother’s trouble in return.

Anne Shirley, who plays the role of the beautiful and kind-hearted socialite Anne Barry, gives a heartfelt performance. The daughter of a wealthy businessman and the love interest of Johnny, Anne’s character stands as a contrast to the corruption and lawlessness rampant in the city. She becomes a beacon of hope and morality in an otherwise dark and corrupt world. Anne’s unwavering faith in Johnny’s innate goodness adds an emotive layer to the narrative, bringing a touch of romance to the thrill-laden storyline.

The plot smoothly transitions from one scene to another, with Chester Morris displaying an array of emotions that reflects his character's deeply conflicted life. Being an innocent man caught in the midst of organized crime, he manages to reflect and enact these feelings admirably. His charisma is further enhanced by the impressive performance of Anne Shirley, who remains firm in her belief that Johnny will eventually return from the underworld’s murky depths.

Law of the Underworld intriguingly explores the theme of crime being an integral part of the societal structure; it echoes the law of survival where even an honest man might find himself on the wrong side. This film is a testament to the captivating storytelling style of the 1930s, and it perfectly accentuates the times' moral dilemmas and societal contrasts.

Directed by Lew Landers and scripted by Edward T. Lowe Jr., the film strikes a chord with its audience due to its raw depiction of the dog-eat-dog world. The narrative weaves together a brilliant mix of suspense, drama, action, and character development that culminates in an unforgettable cinematic experience.

The film's cinematography, executed by Benjamin H. Kline, deserves special mention. Kline’s camera doesn't just record the colourful characters and fast-paced plot of Law of the Underworld, he paints a vivid visual of a turbulent era, marred by crime and claustrophobia, yet it captures the spirit of human resilience. The backdrop of the city, the grimy underworld, and the luxurious trappings of Dailey's world are showcased with great intricacy, making the viewers feel that they are a part of the narrative.

Law of the Underworld is indeed a must-watch for individuals who appreciate thoughtful plots, brilliant performances, and classic noir films. Moreover, the film uncovers the many layers of a society grappling with crime and corruption, making it a compelling portrait of an era gone by.