Ladies in Black 2019

As the festive spirit of the 1959 Christmas season fills Goode’s department store in Sydney, Lisa arrives as a new assistant, bringing along a refreshing outlook. In the midst of the daily commotion, she develops an unexpected friendship with Fay, who initially holds doubts about immigrants, as well as with Patty, who seeks affection from her husband. Additionally, she forms a connection with Magda, a kind-hearted Slovenian immigrant, who introduces Lisa to her circle of European acquaintances. As Lisa grows into her role, she becomes intertwined in the various personal dramas surrounding her.

Patty’s search for attention leads her to buy a pink nightdress, but confusion ensues when her husband misreads her intentions and vanishes for the season. Meanwhile, Magda extends an invitation to Lisa and Fay for a lively New Year’s Eve party at her welcoming home. There, they meet Rudi, a dashing Hungarian immigrant eager for love, and Michael, the son of Hungarian immigrants who has seamlessly acclimatized to Australian life.

As the seasons pass, the fortunes of Goode’s department store also shift. A dress once priced at 150 guineas is marked down to 75 guineas during the summer sale, ultimately slashed to a mere 50 guineas. Patty’s husband makes a comeback, leading to a rekindling of their relationship after she expresses her yearning for attention.

Lisa’s academic achievements shine brightly as she earns honors on her school leaving exam, prompting her to pursue a scholarship at Sydney University, encouraged by her father. Rudi’s romantic journey blossoms as he proposes to Fay in his newly acquired apartment. Lisa’s initial disappointment at the absence of her coveted dress is quickly alleviated when Magda reveals she had cleverly stashed it away, awaiting the right moment to make it available for an inviting price of 35 guineas.

A celebration for Lisa’s birthday commemorates her stellar test scores, where she excitedly dons her newly retrieved dress. As Magda shares her ambition of starting a high-end fashion store, Lisa begins to contemplate her own dreams that extend beyond university education. Fueled by her passion for literature, she confides in Magda about her aspirations to become an actress, poet, novelist, or possibly even all three, setting the stage for a future teeming with potential and hope.