Brenda BlethynPiccadilly Jim [DVD]

Piccadilly Jim is based on a P.G. Wodehouse book. It is set in London and New York in the 1930's but with a modern edge. In the nightclub scene, for example, Emiliana Torrini brilliantly sings the 1980's classic `Tainted Love' in a wonderful retro version arranged by Adrian Johnston. On paper it sounds weird, but the decision was a stroke of genius and it really works. The film is worth the money for this scene alone.The plot revolves around Sam Rockwell and his attempts to woo Frances O'Connor, both of whom give fine performances. Geoffrey Palmer gives a solid, believable, performance as the butler.The film is beautifully shot and lit and I am sorry to only give it 3 stars. Some of the minor characters are too caricatured and sporting extreme hairstyles, with the result that the viewer can't engage with them. I realise that it is light comedy, but comedy works best when you can connect with what you are watching. The various minor characters and sub-plots are all squeezed into the 90 minutes, with the result that the viewer doesn't have time to get immersed and involved.Re-cut the film to 110 minutes, add some extras to the DVD (e.g. interviews with the director John McKay and the adapter Julian Fellowes explaining their vision) and it could still achieve top marks.

This is the first decent full-length feature film ever made from a P.G. Wodehouse novel. Remember now that Wodehouse is generally regarded as THE funniest writer ever to have written (not only my opinion, luminaries like Douglas Adams and Stephen Fry concur. For heaven's sake, Evelyn Waugh said Wodehouse was the best writer in the English language of their entire generation). Having gushed so effusively, however, it must be said that filming a Wodehouse novel is a daunting task. This is because a lot of his humour was contained in the narrative, so without an annoying voice-over you are cutting out a lot. The team who put this production together nailed it, however. The players are perfect - Frances O'Conner is a sublime Wodehouse pippin-worthy girl (surely the greatest compliment that can be paid to one of the gentle gender), Sam Rockwell is the ultimate rakish knut (Wodehouse's word for an unemployed young bounder generally getting up to trouble). Tom Wilkinson is his usual excellent self, and the Aunts (Wodehouse's greatest enemies) are, well, devestatingly aunt-like. Also spot the wonderful 'cameo's. Perhaps the best feature of the film, however, is the sets and other incidentals, this film may be the greatest celebration of 1930s art-deco and related style ever gifted to a dulled generation. The plot is brilliantly translated for the screen (although conservatives like myself might cavail at the greater sexual licence than Wodehouse might have liked). Altogether, this is a must-own cult classic, may the makers continue!

Not quite sure what Julian Fellows was getting at here with this, The film is supposedly set in PG Woodhouse ( actually based on a PG story) territory but in the future, but in the past, possibly Mr Fellows must have had a slight ego boost from the success of Downtown Abbey and written this? The cast led by Sam Rockwell, have done the best they can with it. The film seems dated, as if it was released in the 1980's ( perhaps that is what the company were going for?)

It is not a good sign when the credits are the only praiseworthy thing about a film. That is the case with this poor treatment of Wodehouse's book. It seems that the director and cast members were determined to have a good time, but in doing so do not get anywhere near the mood or voice of Wodehouse. Compared to the Fry and Laurie treatment of Jeeves and Wooster, or the Wodehouse Playhouse series, both of which stayed very close to the relevant writings and period atmosphere of 'the Master', this is a failed effort, and not worth the time taken to watch it.

Quite a modern feel to this book adaptation from the great P. G. Wodehouse but a fun story and ably adapted by Julian Fellowes. Costumes and sets are brilliant and the cast is great, they all look to be enjoying themselves! However, I do have to say the original book is better so read the book first and then watch the film.

A good interpretation I thought of Wodehouse. Costumes amazing, acting first class and laugh out loud in places. Pleasant and easy viewing.

Typical Wodehouse and most enjoyable.

A wonderful cast provide an enjoyable entertainment almost up to Woodhouse standards.