SYNOPSIS: In 1939 London , Miss Guinevere Pettigrew (played by Ms. McDormand) is a middle-aged governess who finds herself once again unfairly dismissed from her job. Without so much as severance pay, Miss Pettigrew realizes that she must – for the first time in two decades – seize the day. This she does, by intercepting an employment assignment outside of her comfort level – as “social secretary.” Arriving at a penthouse apartment for the interview, Miss Pettigrew is catapulted into the glamorous world and dizzying social whirl of an American actress and singer, Delysia Lafosse (Ms. Adams). Within minutes, Miss Pettigrew finds herself swept into a heady high-society milieu – and, within hours, living it up. Taking the “social secretary” designation to heart, she tries to help her new friend Delysia navigate a love life and career, both of which are complicated by the three men in Delysia’s orbit; devoted pianist Michael (Mr. Pace), intimidating nightclub owner Nick (Mr. Strong), and impressionable junior impresario Phil (Mr. Payne). Miss Pettigrew herself is blushingly drawn to the gallant Joe (Mr. Hinds), a successful designer who is tenuously engaged to haughty fashion maven Edythe (Ms. Henderson) – the one person who senses that the new “social secretary” may be out of her element, and schemes to undermine her. Over the next 24 hours, Guinevere and Delysia will empower each other to discover their romantic destinies.

REVIEW: This is one of those movies that gently remind you why you go to the movies. You will laugh, you will smile, and you might even cry. You will hope, you will cheer, and you will feel for these characters. I went in not expecting much of anything and my frown was turned upside down. I know that sounds corny, but believe me, it fits just right when discussing this film. It will entertain your eyes, your ears, your mind, and your heart. Even your sense of taste will be triggered as you watch poor Miss Pettigrew struggle to get any piece of food she can find into her mouth. Yes, I’m going to have to use my favorite word of the year once again . . . this movie was truly charming. It’s a shame Priscilla couldn’t accompany me because she would have loved it.

Your eyes are entertained by the attention to detail as seen in the costume design, the hairdos, the makeup, the cars, the dwellings, down to the telephones. The cinematography in general did such a great job of presenting the look and feel of late 30s London that you are transported to that place and time. Guinevere Pettigrew (Frances McDormand) also delights us visually with a well deserved make over courtesy of Delysia Lafosse (Amy Adams). She goes from a down-on-her-luck, recently unemployed, homeless, middle-aged woman into an attractively seasoned socialite trying to blend in this world of money and power that now surrounds her. She goes from a woman with bad luck and a really bad look to the complete opposite. Edythe Dubarry (Shirley Henderson) says it best, "Wow, what a transformation."

Your ears are entertained by the stimulating music of the era along with the intelligent script which added to the effectiveness of the illusion of being in that place and time. Your ears are also treated to the sweetness of Amy’s singing as well as her and Frances’ sharp and quick line delivery which also entertains your mind because you need to pay attention in order to keep up with them at times. Luckily, the accents used by the performers weren’t too strong which made it easier to follow. Your mind is also entertained by the talent of the cast, most specifically, Ms. Adams and Ms. McDormand. In their respective roles, Amy is simply being Amy and Frances is simply being Frances which is a display of awesome talent. If you liked Amy in Enchanted, you’ve got to check her out in this picture. She has an uncanny ability to play the cutesy role like it’s nobody’s business. And Frances, well I don’t recall ever seeing her in a role where she is not right on.

Your heart is entertained by the characters who are all generally uncomplicated and endearing. They are so typical of the time that it is easy to relate to them. The do-whatever-it-takes-to-make-it-big-in-show-biz bar singer and the hapless, out-of-work nanny turned diplomat, negotiator, and best friend take center stage while you also get a spoiled, rich son slash movie producer, an honest and successful business man, the ruthless and also rich bar owner, and the hopeless romantic piano player to name a few. The storyline will also touch your heart as it lays out the fact that "Love is not a game." Director Bharat Nalluri, not having a lot of big screen experience, really pulls out a gem. He successfully shows us just how much Miss Pettigrew’s life changed in one day. This film is not for everyone. The more adult moviegoers might appreciate it more whereas the younger ones might find it corny. I was thoroughly entertained and think it is worth the price of admission.

Review By Cine Marcos 
cinemarcos@smartcine.com

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