caprior

As a way of telling a story, Piccadilly is an eye-opener. E.A. Dupont's camera, lighting, and tracking shots seem brand new for their time. Every scene thoughtfully composed, using foreground furniture or beaded curtains or half-shadow light to discreetly dramatize the "naughtiness" of its theme. The film is silent (with a haunting, jazzy score) made in 1929, 2 years after the birth of sound, but the restoration of this film is beautifully and carefully rendered. The acting, by "silent" standards, is subtly displayed and truthfully acted. Anna Mae Wong is certainly sexy. There is a kissing scene which occurs underneath a newspaper that leaves much to the imagination.

For me it was a wonderful discovery (on TCM).

INTO THE ARMS OF STRANGERS is fairly standard material and the director has a tendency to fall into a few cliché traps along the way. But it is well-produced and has a few polished moments that are well-worth the viewing.

Primarily, it is Ron Carey's subtle, richly textured performance that kept me interested in his psychological journey. And fortunately, the director agrees, allowing the camera to linger on Carey's face as he struggles with the emotional turmoil that seems to have gripped his psyche. Carey doesn't hide anything nor does he indulge or get caught in the trappings of this mood piece. And the camera loves his face. I am quite surprised at this actor's skills and his maturity level with so few films to his credit.

Definitely, an actor to watch.