Film of the Week: Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, 2008

Winifred Watson’s novel, Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, caused quite a sensation when it was published in 1938. Her heroine, Delysia LaFosse, was not the usual lady protagonist. She was a headstrong girl with many passions and many lovers. What was scandalous then, is nothing new to us now. However, Focus Features’ 2008 film version of the novel, manages to make Delysia and her new secretary, Miss Pettigrew, seem as fresh and exciting as they day they were first created.

The story centers around two women. Delysia LaFosse is a singer/actress who is looking for her big break. In the meantime, she doesn’t mind being a “kept woman” in order to have a nice roof over her head—even if it means breaking the heart of her one true love, Michael. Guinevere Pettigrew is in a similarly dysfunctional predicament. She can’t seem to hold on to any of her nanny jobs—even being fired for her wild hair. Having reached middle age, Miss Pettigrew is also in need of her big break, or, at the very least, a meal—something she hasn’t had in days.

Miss Pettigrew bends the truth a little and manages to secure a job as Delysia’s secretary. Both women learn from one another over the span of their one day together--each of them realizing that for all their differences, they’re very much the same.

The film stars Frances McDormand as Miss Pettigrew and Amy Adams as Delysia, along with Lee Pace as Michael. Shot in and around London, the film makes excellent use of the city—heightened by brilliant 1930’s-era costumes and sets. It’s a visually beautiful film with interesting characters that are expertly portrayed.