Piccadilly [re-release]

Piccadilly [re-release]

Year: 2004

Runtime: 1 h 32 m

Language: english

Director: Ewald André Dupont

CrimeDrama

In this 1929 silent masterpiece, re-mastered by the British Film Institute, Anna May Wong shines in her most iconic role as a glamorous nightclub performer caught between love and deception in London's seedy underbelly, where crime and passion converge in a thrilling drama of secrets and seduction.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Piccadilly [re-release] yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Piccadilly [re-release] (2004)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Piccadilly [re-release] (2004). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1930s

The film takes place during the 1930s, a decade marked by significant social changes and the aftermath of the Great Depression. This era saw a rise in both economic aspirations and cultural innovations, particularly in art and literature. The competitive nature among the wealthy, as depicted in the movie, reflects the societal pressures of the time to maintain status and secure advantageous marriages.

Location

New York City, London

The movie is set in two vibrant urban centers: New York City and London. New York, known for its bustling streets and diverse culture, serves as the backdrop for familial tensions and romantic pursuits, while London provides the opulence of aristocracy and the charm of the British elite. The contrast between these locations enriches the story, highlighting the characters' differing lifestyles and aspirations.

🏙️ City 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:18

Main Characters – Piccadilly [re-release] (2004)
Meet the key characters of Piccadilly [re-release] (2004), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Eugenia Crocker (Charles Laughton)

Eugenia Crocker is a fiercely ambitious woman whose desire to secure a royal title reflects her competitiveness and vanity. Married to Bingley, she is preoccupied with impressing the upper class, often overshadowed by her stepson's notorious reputation. Her character navigates the complexities of familial rivalry while pursuing her aspirations.

👑 Ambition 🏰 Prestige

Nesta Pett (Ray Milland)

Nesta Pett is a cunning and determined sister who seeks to marry off her niece, Ann, to a wealthy nobleman. She is characterized by her competitiveness with Eugenia and her goal of elevating her family's status. Nesta's shrewdness and willingness to orchestrate matchmaking highlight her complex role within the narrative.

💼 Strategy 🎩 Nobility

Ann Chester (Anna May Wong)

Ann Chester is an aspiring poetess who finds herself in the midst of familial ambitions and romantic pursuits. Her character grapples with her desire for independence and her aversion to being married off. As she navigates her feelings for Jim, Ann embodies the conflict between personal aspirations and societal expectations.

📚 Creativity 💔 Independence

James 'Piccadilly Jim' Crocker (Ray Milland)

James 'Piccadilly Jim' Crocker is a charming yet reckless character known for his flamboyant lifestyle and scandalous behavior. His reputation precedes him, complicating his pursuit of Ann. Despite his rambunctious persona, Jim shows depth and determination as he seeks to clear his name and win Ann's heart.

🎉 Flamboyant ❤️ Determined

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:18

Major Themes – Piccadilly [re-release] (2004)
Explore the central themes of Piccadilly [re-release] (2004), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Rivalry

The theme of rivalry is central to the film, as exemplified by the contentious relationship between the American sisters, Eugenia and Nesta. Their competitive spirits drive much of the plot, influencing their actions and decisions regarding marriage and social status. This rivalry ultimately leads to unexpected alliances and relationship developments that redefine their family dynamics.

🎭 Identity

Identity plays a crucial role in 'Piccadilly.' Jim's disguise as Algernon Bayliss allows him to explore a different persona while pursuing love. The misunderstandings and mistaken identities woven throughout the narrative serve to highlight personal growth, revealing the layers of the characters beyond their public personas.

💍 Love

Love emerges as a transformative force in the story, where characters experience various romantic entanglements that challenge their perceptions and relationships. The evolving relationship between Ann and Jim shows how love can transcend misunderstandings, leading to growth and reconciliation. Ultimately, love triumphs, culminating in marriage and the unification of two ambitious families.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:18

Similar Movies to Piccadilly [re-release]
Discover movies like Piccadilly [re-release] that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.