Movie Review: Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day

Bad times happen often for Miss Pettigrew. It seems no one wants this poor woman as she shuffles from job to job with little chance of success. Even employment agencies look the other way whenever this haggard looking applicant appears.

Then, quite by chance and through a bit of common deception, our losing lass meets up with Delysia Lafosse, an upstart society gal who takes her in. Against all odds a relationship develops as this floozy young entertainer with eyes on stardom takes a shining to her latest employee.

Talk about culture shock! Clashes between rich and poor are thrown out the window as this woman with nothing begins to enjoy a devilishly fun time by going to all the right parties and eating all the right foods. Lifestyles of the rich and famous are exactly what Miss Pettigrew ordered as she lives it up to the hilt.

On the surface this 93 minute movie may seem rather pedestrian. Thanks to superb performances from the two female leads you can’t help but get caught up in their whirlwind day to day activities. Huge star in the making Amy Adams (Enchanted) again sings her way into your hearts as Delysia, a damsel looking for love with plenty of problems at her doorstep. Out to show her the ways of the world are the equally compelling and convincing Academy Award winning Frances McDormand (Fargo) who nails down the role of a beggar turned socialite.

Men fare just as good as romantic entanglements and encounters seem to engulf both women. Nice eye candy by way of Lee Pace (The Good Shepherd) as a musician on the move and Ciaran Hinds (Munich) well cast as a caring gentlemen further bolster this story.