“Piccadilly” was directed by E.A. Dupont, a German-born filmmaker who had previously directed a number of successful films in Germany before moving to the UK in the 1920s. The film was produced by British International Pictures, one of the major British film studios of the time.
The film was shot on location in London, with the majority of the filming taking place at the now-demolished Piccadilly Theatre. The film was shot on a relatively tight budget and Dupont made use of non-professional extras to populate the club scenes. The film’s striking visuals were created through the use of creative camera angles and lighting techniques, which were considered innovative for the time.
The film was released in the UK in 1929 and received positive reviews from critics. The film was praised for its striking visuals, its frank portrayal of interracial relationships, and its exploration of themes of jealousy, race, and class. The film was also well received by audiences and was considered a commercial success.
The plot of “Piccadilly” centers around the characters who work at a nightclub called “The Piccadilly Club.” The film’s protagonist, played by Gilda Gray, is a dancer at the club who becomes embroiled in a love triangle with the club’s owner, played by Jameson Thomas, and a Chinese dishwasher, played by George Langford. The film explores themes of jealousy, race, and class through the characters’ relationships and interactions, with the film’s depiction of an interracial relationship considered bold and progressive for its time.
