Piccadilly [re-release] 2004

In the bustling 1930s, we are introduced to the fiercely wealthy and competitive American sisters, Eugenia Crocker](/actor/charles-laughton) and Nesta Pett, who cannot stand each other. Their latest bout of rivalry takes a twist as Nesta attempts to secure a noble alliance for her niece by marriage, the aspiring poetess turned crime novelist Ann Chester. Nesta has her sights set on marrying Ann off to Lord Reginald “Wizzy” Wisbeach, portrayed by Kevin Eldon, in a bid to add some royal flair to their family lineage. However, there’s one hitch: Ann has no desire to wed the pompous lord.

Living in New York City, Nesta travels to London with Ann to orchestrate the matchmaking, despite Ann’s objections. Meanwhile, Eugenia, also residing in London and married to Bingley, is preoccupied with her ambition to purchase a royal title. To ingratiate herself with the upper crust, she invites various aristocrats, including the likes of the Duchess of Arminster and the Duke of Arminster, to her lavish mansion.

Her aspirations are continuously overshadowed by the notorious reputation of her stepson, James Crocker, better known as Piccadilly Jim. Infamous for his womanizing, gambling, and bar brawls, Jim’s latest escapade involves a recent confrontation with Percy, resulting in yet another public scandal that leaves Eugenia mortified. When Nesta visits, she enjoys taunting Eugenia about Jim’s unruly behavior, but the tables turn when Jim’s connection to Wizzy comes to light.

As fate would have it, Jim encounters Ann, sparking an instant attraction despite her aversion to his flamboyant persona. Ann loathes “Piccadilly Jim,” mainly because he once disparaged her poetry under the column that featured his name, and she mistakenly believes him to be the author of her misfortune. Unbeknownst to Ann, Jim cleverly adopts the guise of Algernon Bayliss, the family butler, hoping to woo her without revealing his true identity.

In a twist of fate, Jim and Ann’s worlds collide at a vibrant nightclub, where he, claiming sobriety, attempts to charm her. However, their connection is strained by Jim’s unruly image, culminating in more mishaps, including another brawl with Percy that lands him back in the tabloids. Despite the chaos, Jim resolves to win Ann’s heart and even plans a trip to New York City to pursue her further.

As Ann shares her experiences with her uncle, Peter Pett, his short-tempered son, Ogden, becomes a source of trouble, accusing Peter of foul play. In a bid to fix things, Jim and Ann concoct a plan to kidnap Ogden and send him to boot camp, branding their scheme under Jim’s notoriety. Jim’s antics lead to not only mischief but also to unexpected romantic entanglements that complicate their lives even more.

Initially, confusion ensues when Jim encounters a man posing as Wizzy in New York, who turns out to be a German spy. As secrets unfold, Jim tries to clear his name and protect Ann from the misunderstandings swirling around them. Amidst the elaborate scheme of espionage and mistaken identities, Jim finds a diary revealing his own harsh criticism of Ann, shaking her trust.

In a climactic revelation, Jim stages a daring rescue of Ann, bravely confronting the spy and ensuring her safety. Their adventures lead to a newfound understanding, as they both realize the depth of their feelings. By the end, Ann and Jim reaffirm their love, leading to a joyful marriage that ties both families closer, while Eugenia finally embraces her royal ambitions, moving in close proximity to Nesta in New York. The conclusion of their competitive saga ends with promises of new beginnings and familial ties—clearly, the game of one-upmanship has resulted in unexpected alliances and romance.