Chicago (1927 film)

Chicago is a 1927 comedydrama silent film produced by Cecil B. DeMille and directed by Frank Urson.

The silent film adds considerably to the material in Watkins play, some additions based on the original murder, and some for Hollywood considerations. The murder, which occurs in a very brief vignette before the play begins, is fleshed out considerably. Also, Roxies husband Amos Hart played by Victor Varconi has a much more sympathetic and active role in the film than he does either in the play or in the subsequent musical. The ending is more cruel to Roxie, in keeping with Hollywood values of not allowing criminals to profit too much from their crimes although she does get away with murder.The film was long difficult to see, but a recent print was made available from the UCLA Film and Television Archive, enabling the film to play at festivals and historic theaters around the country. This has greatly improved the reputation of the film. ........

Source: Wikipedia