Underworld U.S.A.

Directed by Samuel Fuller, Underworld U.S.A. follows Cliff Robertson’s Tolly Devlin as he sets out to avenge the murder of his father by infiltrating a criminal organization and, eventually, pitting its members against one another. It’s an inherently engaging premise that’s employed to erratic yet mostly rewarding effect by Fuller, as the filmmaker, working from his own screenplay, delivers a frequently overstuffed narrative that contains a number of less-than-enthralling diversions and subplots – with, for example, the ongoing emphasis on the government’s efforts at bringing said criminals to justice contributing heavily to the movie’s hit-and-miss atmosphere. It’s clear, then, that Underworld U.S.A.‘s success is due almost entirely to Fuller’s tremendously stylish visuals and a series of frequently captivating performances, with, in terms of the latter, Robertson’s stirring turn as the hardened protagonist matched by a supporting cast that includes Dolores Dorn, Robert Emhardt, and Richard Rust. (The latter is especially electrifying as a vicious, heartless gangster.) The continuing inclusion of standout interludes perpetuates the picture’s progressively watchable vibe, while the absolutely spellbinding climax ensures that the whole thing ends on as memorable and positive a note as one could envision – which ultimately does cement Underworld U.S.A.‘s place as an often irresistibly gritty and tough little drama.

*** out of ****