Anna May Wong Seduces in Lavish Silent Romantic Drama
DIRECTED BY E.A. DUPONT/1929
BLU-RAY STREET DATE: SEPTEMBER 26. 2023/MILESTONE FILMS (Via Kino Lorber)
Hollywood’s first Chinese superstar makes an impact in Europe in director E.A. Dupont’s lavish silent romantic drama, Piccadilly (1929). Wong is actually billed second or perhaps even third (depending on how one interprets the credits) as a seductive nightclub entertainer who hits the scene and disrupts the established norm.
This new Blu-ray edition, courtesy of the Milestone Cinematheque, has a fantastic transfer for a film of its vintage, and boasts a top-notch commentary track by the extremely knowledgable Farran Smith Nehme. The video review contains more details on this release, as well as a brief look at the movie itself.
The official blurb…
Tired of playing supporting roles in Hollywood, Anna May Wong traveled to Europe in search of better parts. And did she find one! Her electric, sexually charged performance in Piccadilly is a revelation. Wong is mesmerizing as Shosho, the Chinese dishwasher who overnight becomes the toast of the town — and the object of every man’s desire. The camera adores Wong — her beauty glows in every frame. Piccadilly was the brilliant apex to director E. A. Dupont’s trilogy of theater films (Varieté and Moulin Rouge), showcasing his signature mix of great acting, dazzling imagery and balletic camera movements. Remastered by the BFI National Archive and presented in High Definition.
Special Features:
• Audio commentary by film historian Farran Smith Nehme
• Introduction to the 1929 sound version
• Neil Brand on the score for Piccadilly
• San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival panel: “Dangerous to Know: The Career and Legacy of Anna May Wong,” moderated by B. Ruby Rich
