Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day 2008

In the bustling atmosphere of 1939 London, we meet Miss Guinevere Pettigrew, portrayed by Frances McDormand, a middle-aged governess who has recently found herself unfairly dismissed from yet another position without any severance pay. Realizing it’s time to take charge of her life after two long decades, she boldly decides to intercept an unexpected employment opportunity that takes her far beyond her usual comfort zone as a social secretary.

Upon arriving at a lavish penthouse for her interview, Miss Pettigrew is thrust into the dazzling and dizzying social whirl of an American actress and singer, Delysia Lafosse, played by Amy Adams. Almost instantly, she is swept into a vibrant high-society scene, and before long, she is reveling in the luxurious lifestyle. Embracing her role as social secretary, Guinevere aims to assist her new friend Delysia in untangling her complicated love life and career, which are all the more intricate due to the presence of three men vying for Delysia’s affection. These include the devoted pianist Michael, the intimidating nightclub owner Nick, and the impressionable junior impresario Phil.

As Miss Pettigrew becomes increasingly involved, she herself develops feelings for the gallant Joe, played by Ciarán Hinds, a successful designer who is found awkwardly engaged to the haughty fashion maven Edythe—an observant woman who quickly suspects that the new social secretary might not quite fit in and plots to sabotage her.

Over the course of the next 24 hours, the passionate journey of Guinevere and Delysia unfolds, leading them to empower one another in their quest to discover their romantic destinies amidst an ever-changing landscape of love and ambition.