Directed by Bharat Nalluri (2008) Starring: Frances McDormand, Amy Adams, Ciaran Hinds, Shirley Henderson, Mark Strong, Lee Pace, Tom Payne
After watching Pushing Daisies, I got in a mood for Lee Pace. (That man is adorable– Stick him in more pictures, Hollywood! C’mon now!) Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day seemed like just the ticket.
Guinevere Pettigrew (McDormand) is a capable governess who loses her job for being too harsh. She’s rejected from her employment agency, but before she leaves, she overhears that a Miss Lafosse needs some help. When she heads to her apartment, Pettigrew is stunned to realize that a governess wasn’t wanted, but a social secretary for the flighty Delysia (Amy Adams), who is busy juggling three men while furthering her career as a singer.
The three men being: Phil Goldman (Payne), young son who is launching a new musical that needs a star; Nick Cordorelli (Strong), rich nightclub owner; and Michael Pardue (Pace), her pianist, best friend, and would-be fiance. Would be, if he hadn’t gotten drunk and tried to steal the crown jewels for Delysia.
While at a underwear fashion show, Guinevere becomes involved in the affairs of Edythe Dubarry (Henderson) and Joe Bloomfield (Hinds), who have recently split up. Dubarry is conniving to marry Bloomfield for his fashion connections, while he is sick of her. He compliments Guinevere and they hit it off, though she shies away, due to her frumpy outfit and unemployed state.
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day is cute, but doesn’t have too much that makes it unique. Possibly my favorite part of the plot was the constantly circling around the impending war–with everyone from the younger generation ignoring it. The only time it ever becomes apparent to Delysia & Co. was when they had a siren go off while at the night club.
Other than that, it’s a pretty sweet, rather formulaic romance comedy. I liked that Guinevere went back and forth between being rather shy, but then very commanding when the scene needed it. I have a feeling I would have hated the Delysia character, if it wasn’t for Amy Adams.
And just as I wanted it: Lee Pace is wonderful.
