Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

This screwball type comedy is directed by Bharat Nalluri and written by David Magee and Simon Beaufoy. It takes place in pre-war London in the late 1930s.

Miss Gwen Pettigrew (Frances McDormand) is a governess who loses her job. When she goes to the agency that got her the job she is told that she is unemployable. She takes a card that she sees on a desk and goes to the address that appears on it. She thins that it is another governess job but it is really a job as a social secretary to Delysia Lafosse (Amy Adams). And what a busy life Delysia has - she is pursued by three men (played by Lee Pace, Tom Payne and Mark Strong). But only one of them really loves her. To find out which one you will have to see the film.

Miss Pettigrew is a lovely, old fashioned style film. Both McDormand and Adams are terrific. And there are wonderful performances by two actors from across the pond - Ciaran Hinds and Shirley Henderson (as an on again, off again couple). The cinematography by John de Borman is outstanding and captures the look and feel of London back then. And the big band music adds so much. Although the film is a comedy you can see a bit seriousness in it due to the fact that the upcoming war is mentioned everywhere.

I liked this film and I liked how it ended. See it if you (like me) enjoy charming period pieces with good acting.