![Piccadilly [re-release]](https://atm.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/movies/piccadilly.jpg)
Piccadilly [re-release] 2004
Directed by
Ewald André Dupont
Made by
Sono Art-World Wide Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Piccadilly [re-release] (2004). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
It’s the 1930s, where we meet the fiercely competitive sisters: Eugenia Crocker (Allison Janney) and Nesta Pett (Brenda Blethyn). Both are extremely wealthy and have a mutual dislike for one another. Their latest round of one-upmanship has Nesta plotting to marry off her niece by marriage, poetess turned crime novelist Ann Chester (Frances O’Connor), to the Lord Reginald “Wizzy” Wisbeach (Kevin Eldon). However, this scheming does not align with Ann’s wishes, as she has no feelings for the stuffy lord. Although Nesta resides in NYC, she has traveled to London to assist in this matchmaking affair.
In London, Eugenia, who is now married to Bingley (Tom Wilkinson), is on her own quest to buy a royal title. She seeks to establish connections with the aristocracy, inviting prominent figures such as the Duchess of Arminster (Delia Lindsay), the Duke of Arminster (James Wallace), and others to her grand mansion. However, her ambitions are often hampered by the notorious reputation of her stepson, James Crocker (Sam Rockwell), famously known as Piccadilly Jim. His past as a columnist is riddled with scandal and he is labeled a womanizer and gambler. After an altercation with Percy, Eugenia is mortified when he arrives at her home and gets into yet another fight.
During an unexpected visit, Nesta mocks Eugenia for Jim’s wild antics, but Eugenia reminds her that Jim is best friends with Wizzy, the very match Nesta is striving for. Confusion erupts when Nesta initially mistakes Bingley for the butler. Jim feels compelled to change his ways when he experiences love at first sight with an enchanting American – Ann. But their romantic path is rocky, as Ann bears a grudge against Piccadilly Jim, who once slandered her poetry under the guise of his previous writing. Despite their mutual attraction, Ann cannot shake off her disdain.
Misunderstandings multiply when Jim, under the alias of Algernon Bayliss, aims to woo Ann without revealing his true identity. A chance meeting at a nightclub leads to more trouble when Jim finds himself in yet another brawl involving Percy, further tarnishing his name. Determined to win Ann’s affection, Jim plans to follow her to NYC. However, a series of comedic twists ensue, with Ann suspecting Bayliss to be Jim’s father.
Despite her reservations about love, Ann gradually finds herself enchanted by Bayliss, even as she secretly longs for a touch of danger in their romance. Meanwhile, Nesta encounters Wizzy again in NYC, unaware of his covert operations. As the plot unravels, tensions rise, including Jim concocting a scheme to kidnap Ogden, Nesta’s spoiled son, to instill some respectability into his life. As secrets emerge and romantic pursuits intensify, Jim discovers that true love may require taking bold actions.
When the truth about Wizzy is revealed, along with Jim’s identity, chaos ensues, but ultimately, love prevails. Ann forgives Jim, recognizing his adventurous spirit. They decide to marry while Eugenia successfully secures her royal title, moving to a home just three doors down from Nesta, setting the stage for future rivalries and comedic encounters.
Timeline
Track the key events of Piccadilly [re-release] (2004) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Introduction of Sisters
In the 1930s, we are introduced to the fiercely competitive sisters, Eugenia Crocker and Nesta Pett. Their relationship is characterized by extreme wealth and mutual disdain, setting the stage for a battle of one-upmanship.
Nesta's Matchmaking Scheme
Nesta devises a plan to marry her niece by marriage, Ann Chester, to the aristocratic Lord Reginald 'Wizzy' Wisbeach. However, the thoughtful poetess-crime novelist Ann has no desire to marry the stuffy lord, which complicates Nesta's scheming.
Eugenia's Ambition in London
Meanwhile, Eugenia is in London, driven by her ambition to buy a royal title. She invites prominent members of the aristocracy to her grand mansion, hoping to establish important connections.
James Crocker's Notorious Reputation
Eugenia's plans are complicated by the notorious reputation of her stepson, James Crocker, also known as 'Piccadilly Jim.' His scandalous past as a columnist and gambler often puts Eugenia in embarrassing situations.
Mockery and Tension
During an unexpected visit, Nesta mocks Eugenia about Jim's antics, only for Eugenia to remind her that Jim is close friends with Wizzy, the very man she is trying to match Ann with. This revelation creates tension between the sisters.
Jim's Love at First Sight
Things take a turn for Jim when he experiences love at first sight with Ann Chester. However, their romantic journey is marred by Ann's resentment towards Jim for previously slandering her poetry.
The Alias of Algernon Bayliss
To pursue Ann without the baggage of his past, Jim assumes the alias of Algernon Bayliss. He attempts to win Ann's affection while concealing his true identity, leading to a series of misunderstandings.
Trouble at the Nightclub
During a chance meeting at a nightclub, Jim finds himself embroiled in another brawl with Percy, further damaging his already tarnished reputation. This incident complicates his efforts to win Ann's heart.
Jim's Determination
Despite the obstacles, Jim is determined to follow Ann to New York City in pursuit of love. A series of comedic twists arise, including Ann mistaking Jim's alias for his father's identity.
Growing Affection Amidst Doubts
As misunderstandings abound, Ann finds herself slowly enchanted by Algernon Bayliss even as she craves excitement and danger in her life. Her initial reservations about love begin to wane.
Nesta's Encounter with Wizzy
Meanwhile, Nesta meets with Wizzy again in New York City, unaware of his secret operations. This re-encounter adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing feuds and romantic plots.
Jim's Bold Scheme
In a bid to assert respectability in his stepson's life, Jim concocts a plan to kidnap Nesta's spoiled son, Ogden. This adventurous scheme is intended to teach the boy a lesson in respect.
Truths Revealed
The chaos culminates when the truth about Wizzy's identity and Jim's secret is exposed. This revelation leads to mixed feelings and turmoil among the characters involved but also opens the door to reconciliation.
Forgiveness and Love
Ultimately, Ann forgives Jim, recognizing his adventurous spirit despite the tumultuous journey they've had. Their newfound love blossoms, showcasing the power of forgiveness.
The Conclusion of Rivalries
As the story wraps up, Ann and Jim decide to marry, while Eugenia successfully secures her royal title. This sets the stage for continued rivalry and comedic encounters between the two sisters.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Piccadilly [re-release] (2004) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Eugenia Crocker (Allison Janney)
Eugenia is a fiercely ambitious woman determined to climb the social ladder and secure her place among the aristocracy. Her competitive nature with her sister Nesta often leads to humorous yet tense situations, particularly when family dynamics come into play. Despite her desire for status, she demonstrates depth through her relationship with her stepson Jim.
Nesta Pett (Brenda Blethyn)
Nesta is equally ambitious and willing to go to great lengths to ensure her niece's marriage aligns with her social aspirations. Her rivalry with Eugenia adds layers to her scheming personality, as she is portrayed both as a loving aunt and a fierce competitor. Nesta's presence heightens the film's comedic tension.
Ann Chester (Frances O'Connor)
Ann is a poetess turned crime novelist who finds herself caught in a web of romantic misunderstandings. Her initial disdain for Jim complicates her feelings as she grapples with her attraction to him. Ann's character embodies the theme of love's complexities and reflects the tension between desire and disdain.
Lord Reginald 'Wizzy' Wisbeach (Kevin Eldon)
Wizzy is the unwitting pawn in Nesta's matchmaking schemes. His character adds a layer of charm and misunderstanding to the story as he navigates the rivalry between Nesta and Eugenia, unaware of the stakes involved. His presence serves as a catalyst for comedic moments.
Bingley (Tom Wilkinson)
Bingley is Eugenia's supportive husband, often caught in the dynamics of his wife’s ambitious pursuits. His character provides a grounded contrast to the more flamboyant schemes of the sisters, embodying patience and understanding amid chaos.
James Crocker (Sam Rockwell)
James, known as Piccadilly Jim, is a notorious character with a reputation for scandal and womanizing. His arc of redemption is central to the narrative as he attempts to change for love, showcasing his adventurous spirit and emotional growth throughout the story.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Piccadilly [re-release] (2004), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1930s
The 1930s was a decade marked by social change and economic struggles due to the Great Depression. In this era, society was shaped by the emergence of new cultural movements and class dynamics. The film captures the essence of this time through its focus on wealth, status, and familial conflicts amid a changing world.
Location
New York City, London
The film traverses between the bustling streets of New York City and the historic charm of London in the 1930s. New York serves as a backdrop for Nesta's scheming, while London becomes the arena for Eugenia's lofty ambitions and societal aspirations. Both cities are pivotal in setting the tone for the rivalry and romantic misadventures of the characters.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Piccadilly [re-release] (2004). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
👑
Ambition
Ambition drives the characters to pursue their desires, often leading to humorous and chaotic situations. Eugenia's quest for a royal title and Nesta's matchmaking schemes illustrate how high aspirations can create conflict and joy in relationships. The theme of ambition is further explored through Jim's desire to change his ways for love.
💔
Love and Rivalry
At its core, the film explores the complex dynamics of love and rivalry among the characters. The fierce competition between the sisters, coupled with romantic entanglements, showcases how love can both bind and separate individuals. Jim's romantic pursuit of Ann adds emotional depth to the rivalry as secrets and misunderstandings spiral into comedic chaos.
🎭
Identity
Identity plays a significant role in the narrative, as characters navigate their public personas and personal desires. Jim's alias, Algernon Bayliss, highlights the confusion and deception that arise when attempting to win love. The exploration of identity ultimately leads to revelations and the acceptance of one's true self.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.