Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A frumpy governess steals a job and accidentally becomes a life coach for a hot mess singer, also finding love with a lingerie designer; London is never the same again!

🍿 Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Miss Pettigrew

In 1939 London, Guinevere Pettigrew, a middle-aged and rather proper governess, finds herself repeatedly unemployed due to her strong moral compass. After being dismissed once again, she’s denied further assistance from her employment agency. Desperate, she intercepts a job card, leading her to the doorstep of Delysia Lafosse, an American actress and singer.

A Day in the Life of Delysia Lafosse

Miss Pettigrew soon discovers Delysia is not looking for a governess but a “social secretary” to manage her complicated life, which includes juggling three different men. These men include a nightclub owner, a theater producer, and a devoted pianist. Miss Pettigrew finds herself thrown into Delysia’s whirlwind of romantic entanglements and career aspirations. The unexpected turn of events lead her through a world of high society, fashion shows, and nightclubs, a stark contrast to her previous life.

Navigating Love and Ambition

As Miss Pettigrew attempts to guide Delysia through her romantic and professional decisions, she herself begins to experience new possibilities. She catches the eye of Joe Blomfield, a handsome and successful lingerie designer, offering her a chance at love and a life she never imagined. The looming threat of war adds a layer of urgency to their choices, highlighting the importance of living in the moment and following one’s heart.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Miss Pettigrew (Frances McDormand): A down-on-her-luck governess who unexpectedly becomes a social secretary and finds love and purpose.
• Delysia Lafosse (Amy Adams): A vivacious American actress and singer navigating a complicated love life while pursuing stardom.
• Joe (Ciarán Hinds): A handsome lingerie designer who captures Miss Pettigrew’s attention and affection.
• Michael (Lee Pace): Delysia’s talented pianist and true love, offering her a genuine connection and escape.
• Nick (Mark Strong): A wealthy nightclub owner and one of Delysia’s suitors, providing her with lavish accommodation and opportunities.
• Edythe (Shirley Henderson): A conniving fashion editor and Joe’s former fiancee who schemes to undermine Miss Pettigrew and win Joe back.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Guinevere Pettigrew: “I have absolutely no experience as a ‘social secretary’.” – Miss Pettigrew candidly admits her lack of qualifications upon arriving at Delysia’s apartment.
• Guinevere Pettigrew: “Your heart knows the truth, Delysia. Trust it.” – Miss Pettigrew encourages Delysia to follow her heart and choose true love over ambition.
• Delysia: “Guinevere, I’m scared!” – Delysia expresses her fear during an air raid drill, highlighting the looming threat of war.
• Guinevere Pettigrew: “Yes we are. And that is why you must not waste a second of this precious life.” – Guinevere responds during the air raid drill, urging Delysia to not waste her life because they are going to war.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $12,313,694
• Worldwide Gross: $16,724,933

💥 Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adored ‘Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day’! From the moment Guinevere stumbled into Delysia’s chaotic life, I was hooked. It’s like watching a classic screwball comedy with a modern sensibility. The scene where Miss Pettigrew gets her makeover is just so heartwarming, and I found myself laughing out loud at Delysia’s antics. The ending just made my heart soar. It’s my favorite feel-good movie! Highly recommended for fans of old Hollywood charm and witty banter. I watch it over and over.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of period dramas”
  • “Viewers who enjoy lighthearted romantic comedies”
  • “Those who appreciate strong female leads”
  • “People interested in stories about self-discovery”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild suggestive content”
  • “Brief partial nudity”
  • “Thematic elements related to pre-war anxiety”
  • “Implied sexual relationships”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “A delightful confection of pre-war London, ‘Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day’ is a charming escape. McDormand and Adams shine, bringing wit and warmth to their roles. The film perfectly balances screwball comedy with heartfelt moments, making it a truly enjoyable experience.
• Rolling Stone: “While occasionally predictable, ‘Miss Pettigrew’ succeeds due to its stellar cast and stylish production design. Amy Adams is luminous, and Frances McDormand delivers a nuanced performance. It is a charming film that captures the spirit of classic comedies.

Audience Reactions

Frances McDormand’s nuanced performance as Miss Pettigrew stole the show with her subtle expressions and impeccable comedic timing.: The chemistry between Frances McDormand and Amy Adams was phenomenal, creating a believable and endearing friendship.

The film’s stylish set design and costumes transported viewers to 1930s London, creating a visually stunning experience.: Audiences loved the film’s witty dialogue and fast-paced plot, reminiscent of classic screwball comedies.

Overall Consensus: ‘Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day’ is a well-received romantic comedy praised for its stellar cast, witty script, and charming depiction of 1930s London.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Winifred Watson’s novel was originally published in 1938 and was intended to be a film starring Billie Burke, but the start of World War II halted those plans.”
• “The film showcases stunning Art Deco sets and costumes, meticulously recreating the glamour of pre-WWII London.”
• “Amy Adams’s performance was compared to her Golden Globe-nominated performance in ‘Enchanted’, praising her ability to play a character who ‘acts’ fakily sweet while still delivering a realistic performance.”

🖥️ How to Watch Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day?

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on demand via services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability. Some platforms may offer the option to rent or buy the movie.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, you might like these similar films:

• My Man Godfrey (1936): Both films feature a down-on-their-luck individual who enters the world of the wealthy and helps them find their way.
• Bright Young Things (2003): Set in a similar era with a focus on the glamorous and chaotic lives of socialites in pre-war England.
• Enchanted (2007): Stars Amy Adams in a similarly charming and whimsical role, where she brings a touch of magic to the lives of those around her.
• Easy A (2010): Like ‘Miss Pettigrew’, ‘Easy A’ features the theme of reinvention, where a character uses a lie to transform their life for the better.

🛒 Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day Related Products

• Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day [Blu-ray]: Own the heartwarming comedy on Blu-ray and enjoy the film in stunning high definition, complete with bonus features and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (Winifred Watson) [Kindle Edition]: Read the original novel that inspired the film and delve deeper into the world of Miss Pettigrew and Delysia Lafosse. Discover the subtle nuances and charming details that made the story a classic.
• 1930s Fashion Coloring Book: This coloring book lets you create your own colorways of the costumes featured in the film.
• Vintage Style Art Deco Earrings: Channel the glamour of Delysia Lafosse with these stunning art deco earrings, reminiscent of the jewelry worn in the movie. Add a touch of vintage elegance to any outfit.

🎧 Soundtrack

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” – performed by Rudy Vallee
• “If I Didn’t Care” – performed by The Ink Spots
• “I Shall See You Later, Alligator” – performed by Bobby Charles

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Top 10 Incredible Frances McDormand Performances

Frances McDormand is amazing, right? This video counts down her best roles, and ‘Miss Pettigrew’ definitely deserves a spot. Check it out to see where it ranks!

Amy Adams Interview – Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

Ever wonder what Amy Adams thought about playing that role? This interview gives you a peek behind the scenes! It’s really interesting to hear her talk about her character.

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