Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

Rating:

* * * *

Verdict:

Glossy, frivolous, farcical fun.  Frances McDormand and Amy Adams make a fine pair.

Oscar award-winner Frances McDormand and nominee Amy Adams are responsible for making this adaptation of Winifred Watson's novel a delightful and charming experience.

The perfect kind of entertainment for a rainy Sunday afternoon, this light and airy romantic comedy is reminiscent of screwball comedies from the 30s and 40s. It's madcap mayhem from beginning to end, with the wide-eyed, sweet   Adams leading the charge while the more thoughtful   McDormand stabilises the ship and adds some heart to an otherwise forgettable plot.

Set in a day in London on the eve of World War II, Miss Pettigrew, the daughter of a vicar, finds herself unemployed and, according to her employment agency, unemployable. Overhearing information about another job on offer at the agency, she takes a risk and seizes the day, turning up at the potential job, claiming to have been sent by the agency.  A small misunderstanding occurs and her new client, the glamorous American singer and actress, Delysia Lafosse isn't looking for a governess but a social secretary. Miss Pettigrew clearly doesn't look the part. But after she successfully juggles Delysia's three lovers, Miss Lafosse finds Miss Pettigrew indispensible. She insists she work for her and treats her to a makeover.

Miss Pettigrew brings calm reason to Miss Lafosse's frivolous and dizzying social world. With war approaching there is a solemn undertone, though mostly  the film  is about instant gratification and   at its best when  deliciously naughty and fluffy.

While the rapport between Adams and McDormand is responsible for keeping this farce on its feet, the rest of the cast do a good job with less interesting and more stereotypical characters. Delysia's three lovers are played by Lee Pace (the poor hopeless romantic musician), Tom Payne (the young impressionable virgin), and Mark Strong (the megalomaniac nightclub owner), who are also joined by a dashing Ciaran Hinds as Miss Pettigrew's love interest.

Yes, there's, love all around, and if you like it served with a fast and witty delivery and a lot of frolicsome fun, then

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

will be just the thing to delight you.

Francesca Rudkin

Cast:

Amy Adams, Frances McDormand

Director:

Bharat Nalluri

Running time:

92 mins

Rating:

PG (Sexual References)

Screening:

Rialto, Bridgeway, Berkeley, Hoyts, SkyCity and Lido Cinemas