Bright Young Things discussion
Film & TV (1900-1945)
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Piccadily (1929) dir by E.A. duPont
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Interesting info from the BFI site...
A film noir before the term was in use, Piccadilly (d. E.A. Dupont, 1929) is one of the true greats of British silent films, on a par with the best work of Anthony Asquith or Alfred Hitchcock in the period.
Whole thing...
http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/i...
That film poster which is one of the best known representing the film is misleading since Ms. Wong does not appear topless in the movie. But it is a great poster none the less.I think the BFI appreciated the film more that its American counterpart. Of course the film was made in Britain but was international in casting and directing.
An interesting aside.....the is a short scene showing a disgruntled diner in the Picadilly Club.......it is the first film appearance of Charles Laughton. It rather takes you by surprise.
The female player that got top billing was Gilda Gray, who created the dance, the Shimmy, in the early 1920s. She pretty much faded away after Picadilly since her appeal was connected to a dance craze. At one point in the film, Anna May Wong says to her, "You are too old for him". It was life imitating art as she was indeed too old or too dated for the starring role and Ann May stole the film from her.
The song written especially for Anna May Wong by her lover at the time, Eric Maschwitz (Eric Marvel), who was missing her while he was in Europe.These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You) by Rod Stewart
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4Uf7n...
^ A wonderful tune. Bryan Ferry does a good version that happens to be my personal favourite version too...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYUpq...
I almost put up the Bryan Ferry version which I love but his voice is an acquired taste, so I went with Rod Stewart (I guess his voice is an acquired taste as well!!!)
I always remember the Frank Sinatra one - we had it on a 45 when I was young. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-o_iC...
Let's not forget the divine Ella Fitzgerald. Her rendition is a bit slower than the others and shows off her wonderful silky voice. Incredible. With the great Oscar Peterson on piano. http://youtu.be/IzIOh14oLqQ
One last take on the popular tune is that of the amazing Billie Holiday.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4OZ-o...
Quite a song. I've always loved it but never knew it was written for Anna May Wong. The wonderful things we learn in BYT!
For more on Anna May Wong http://youtu.be/kk3WF2z3OAw The sound isn't perfect, but the program is well worth watching.
Jill wrote: "Terrific.....it gives me a chance to talk about one of my favorite films of all time, silent or talkies. It is "Piccadilly" made in England in 1929 and directed by E.A. duPont.
Chinese-American actress, Anna May Wong, was not getting the parts in Hollywood that she deserved because of her race. To take a break, she went to England where she was contacted by director E.A. duPont and asked to appear in "Picadilly". She agreed and every film buff that ever lived is happy that she did. She was an extraordinarily beautiful young woman and her acting was head and shoulders above the heart-clutching, eye-rolling technique used by most silent film players. She projected with very little movement and was grace personified. The film is available on DVD from Kino and it is worth watching, even if you do not particularly care for silent film, just to see how Hollywood misused the talents of this actress based solely on race. She did, however, make one American film,co-starring with Marlena Dietrich, in 1932, which does her justice and is not obscure....it is Shanghai Express.
Sorry for boring you to death about Picadilly but I could watch it 100 times and find something new each time.
One more bit of trivia......the classic song "These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You)" was written for Anna May Wong by her lover Eric Maschwitz (Eric Marvel). Great song."