The violence, the appearance, the cops, the booze, the girl and the chain-smoking were all present, but the one thing the film lacked was an interesting story.

It’s always an experience seeing a film at the Oriental Theatre, whether it be watching “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at midnight and participating in the “virgin” rituals, or experiencing an Oscar-worthy film on a Friday night. But an experience not shared as often is viewing a film that was made the same year as the Landmark Theatre’s opening way back in the day. Oriental Theatre Day on Oct. 18, 2007 commemorated the 80th Anniversary of the theatre’s opening. To celebrate this event, the original gangster film, “Underworld” was screened, which also debuted 80 years ago. The night began with an organ playing as the theatre was filled with patrons. Many in attendance were participating in a gangster look-alike contest, with prizes awarded to the best dressed. After these pre-film festivities, the curtains came up, and the film began with the Alloy Orchestra performing the amazing live sound. “Underworld” does live up to the title of being the original gangster film. It contains all elements of the genre. The violence, the cops, the booze, the girl and the chain smoking were all present, but the one thing the film lacked was an interesting story.

The audience felt little or no sympathy for any characters, and the story was a tad boring. It did not live up to the hype. “Underworld” went on to win an Academy Award at the first ceremony for Best Writing. I guess my conflict with the Academy goes back to the year of my grandfather’s birth. If there is one thing that this film does to make up for the lack of a story, it’s the overall experience. It was the classic film experience. The one that I always dreamt about as a kid. The one that involves the old theatre, the classic movie and the popcorn.

It offers the viewer a glimpse into the past, to a time when tabloids and gossip columns were not the main publicity for a film. It was a time when a film was meant to be a film, not a forgotten nugget of pop-culture past.

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