Underground (1928 film)
| Industry | Film production |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Films |
Underground is a 1928 British drama film directed by Anthony Asquith, featuring performances by Brian Aherne, Elissa Landi, Cyril McLaglen, and Norah Baring. Although the movie contains no spoken dialogue, it was distributed with a synchronized musical accompaniment and sound effects, utilizing both sound-on-disc and sound-on-film systems. The story portrays the everyday experiences and romantic entanglements of typical London residents, set against the backdrop of the London Underground.
The film begins and ends with scenes of an Underground train arriving at a station, showcasing amusing moments of passengers managing crowded carriages. It presents iconic London imagery—from views taken from a bus and the Thames river near what seems to be Lots Road Power Station, to scenes involving local pubs and shops. The plot highlights prominent female characters, offering a contrast to male roles that are more conventional: one character is depicted as villainous, while another is idealized.
Plot
A porter and an electrician both develop feelings for a shop assistant they encounter on the London Underground. Their initially lighthearted competition escalates into a serious confrontation at the Power Station.
Cast
- Brian Aherne as Bill
- Elissa Landi as Nell
- Cyril McLaglen as Bert, Power station worker
- Norah Baring as Kate, Seamstress
Music
The soundtrack includes the theme "Arms Of Love," with lyrics by Alfred Bryan and Francis Wheeler, accompanied by music composed by Pete Wendling.
Production
Underground was produced by British Instructional Films and shot at both Elstree and Cricklewood Studios, alongside location filming in London, including scenes filmed at the Lots Road Power Station in Chelsea. The original screenplay was authored by Asquith himself.
Restoration
In 2009, the British Film Institute undertook a restoration of the film's visuals; however, the original synchronized soundtrack was lost. Subsequently, in 2011, composer Neil Brand created a new musical score which premiered with the BBC Symphony Orchestra at London's Barbican Centre.
Bibliography
- Ryall, Tom. Anthony Asquith. Manchester University Press, 2005.
External links
- Articles with short description
- 1928 films
- 1928 drama films
- British black-and-white films
- Films directed by Anthony Asquith
- British silent feature films
- Films shot at British International Pictures Studios
- Films set on the London Underground
- Films set in London
- 1920s English-language films
- 1920s British films
- Silent British drama films
- English-language drama films