Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #976 in DVD
• Released on: 2009-03-09
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Aspect ratio: 1.77:1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 88 minutes

Synopsis
As in MRS HENDERSON PRESENTS and BEING JULIA, this period comedy brings wit and style to its depiction of 1930s London. Based on Winifred Watson's novel, MISS PETTIGREW LIVES FOR A DAY begins with the title character, a frumpy governess winningly played by Frances McDormand (FARGO), being turned away from her employment agency. After losing her job prospects and all her earthly possessions in a mishap, Guinevere Pettigrew isn't sure where her next meal is coming from. But some cleverness leads her to the door of aspiring actress Delysia Lafosse, a woman who needs a social secretary to juggle her three men: a nightclub owner (Mark Strong), a son of a theatre producer (Tom Payne), and a piano player (Lee Pace). The first two offer her a chance at stardom, but the pianist can't give her anything but love. In a single day, Miss Pettigrew helps Delysia navigate the ever-stormy waters of love, while she learns that romance may not only be reserved for the young.
With its witty script and jazzy score, MISS PETTIGREW may seem feather-light at times, but there's an undercurrent of sadness that gives the comedy a bit of weight. World War II is just about to come to London, and the echoes of the previous war still haunt those who can remember it. Unsurprisingly, McDormand gives a fantastic performance as the title character, but the effervescent Adams continues to surprise, even after turning in great work in JUNEBUG and ENCHANTED. As impressive as the two female leads are, there are some excellent performances from two male co-stars: Ciaran Hinds (MARGOT AT THE WEDDING) is perfectly warm as a lingerie designer Miss Pettigrew encounters, and Pace (PUSHING DAISIES) wins hearts as the faithful Michael. Costume designer Michael O'Connor also deserves praise for creating the film's eye-catching clothing.

Customer Reviews

Fabulous fluff
I'm very surprised by the reviews so far - I thought this film was wonderful.

Refreshing, sparkly and great to watch with girlfriends, mums and grandmas alike, this film was a pleasant surprise for three 30-somethings who popped into a cinema to escape the rain one afternoon.

I haven't read the book so I can't comment but if you would like to escape the modern world then this is an old-fashioned, sweet, beautifully shot little joy.

Cheeky, chirpy and utterly uplifting!
I'm shocked at the lukewarm reception this gorgeous period drama has had in the reviews: it's one of my favourite films of all time. Many of my friends, family and workmates feel the same way!

This film adaptation is certainly not faithful to the (also excellent) novel but it still had me spellbound from start to finish. It possibly helped that I saw the film first - so many here seem to have loved the book, and then therefore been disappointed by the differences in the film. I, however, find it impossible not to deeply sympathise with and then admire the central character, Miss Pettigrew. The patterns and rhythm of the elegantly written dialogue and choreography always keep me riveted. The music vividly evokes the action on screen and the cinematography is lush.

While the pace and tone are definitely light-hearted, lively and upbeat during most of the film, there are some darker undertones which help prevent this from being the one-dimentional "superficial" film that it initially appears to be. Set as the second world war begins, there are some understandably sombre moments when the older characters reflect on their experiences of WW1. Also, always at the back of the audience's mind is the fact Miss Pettigrew's role as "Social Secretary" is only a thin veneer over her poverty-stricken reality - a veneer which could crack at any moment and return her to the soup-kitchen queues.

The theatrical humour and the fantastical plot do, however combine to prevent the film from taking itself too seriously. It's a brilliant piece of escapism.

"Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day" really is a surprising and uplifting treasure.

Lovely
This is an enchanting film. It's not as good as the novel By Winifred Watson and it is not in itself a masterpiece. But the adaptation is adequate, the storyline interesting, the performances excellent and the atmosphere of a country in the brink of war compelling.