Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day 2008

Comedy

Romance

Box Office

$17M

Runtime

92 min

Language

English

Directed by

Bharat Nalluri

Made by

Focus Features

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Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (2008). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

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.

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (2008) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Miss Pettigrew's Dismissal

In 1939 London, Miss Guinevere Pettigrew faces yet another setback as she is unfairly dismissed from her governess position without any severance pay. This rejection prompts her to reflect on her stagnant life and leads her to take a courageous step towards change.

1939 London

A New Opportunity

Determined to turn her life around, Miss Pettigrew decides to pursue an unexpected employment opportunity as a social secretary. This role signifies a dramatic departure from her usual comfort zone and represents a chance for her to engage with a glamorous lifestyle.

Interview at the Penthouse

Miss Pettigrew arrives at a lavish penthouse, ready for her interview. She is immediately immersed in the opulent world of Delysia Lafosse, an American actress, setting the stage for an exhilarating adventure filled with high-society interactions.

Lavish Penthouse

Dazzling High-Society Scene

Once in the penthouse, Pettigrew is swept away by the vibrant atmosphere of Delysia's social whirl. The lavish lifestyle and the excitement of the high-society scene prove intoxicating for her as she navigates her new role.

London

Complicated Love Life

As Miss Pettigrew settles into her role, she learns about Delysia's tumultuous love life, complicated by three men: the devoted pianist Michael, the intimidating nightclub owner Nick, and the impressionable junior impresario Phil. Each suitor brings unique challenges to Delysia's romantic pursuits.

Developing Feelings

In the midst of assisting Delysia, Miss Pettigrew finds herself developing feelings for Joe, a gallant designer. Their interactions add an emotional layer to her journey, intertwining her own romantic aspirations with her professional duties.

Edythe's Suspicion

The haughty fashion maven Edythe, engaged to Joe, becomes suspicious of Miss Pettigrew's presence. Her keen observations lead to a growing tension as Edythe plots to sabotage Pettigrew's role, threatening the delicate balance of relationships.

24-Hour Journey

Over the course of the next 24 hours, Miss Pettigrew and Delysia embark on a passionate adventure to empower one another. This whirlwind of activities propels them both towards self-discovery amidst vibrant social events and romantic encounters.

24 hours London

Confronting Ambitions

As the timeline unfolds, both women confront their ambitions and desires. Miss Pettigrew's growth from a dismissed governess to a pivotal figure in a high-stakes romantic world showcases her resilience and adaptability.

Empowerment and Destiny

The journey culminates in a moment of empowerment where both Guinevere and Delysia realize their potential. Miss Pettigrew's determination and newfound confidence lead her to embrace her own romantic destiny, breaking free from her past.

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day Characters

Explore all characters from Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (2008). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Miss Guinevere Pettigrew (Frances McDormand)

A middle-aged governess experiencing a turning point in her life, Miss Pettigrew is determined to seize control of her destiny. With a blend of resilience and charm, she adapts to her new role as social secretary, cultivating her confidence as she influences the lives of those around her. Her journey reflects themes of empowerment and self-discovery.

👩‍🏫 Governess 💪 Empowerment 🌟 Resilience

Delysia Lafosse (Amy Adams)

Delysia is an American actress and singer caught between love and career aspirations. Charming yet vulnerable, she navigates the affections of three suitors while seeking stability in her tumultuous life. Her friendship with Miss Pettigrew becomes pivotal as they empower each other to embrace their true selves and aspirations.

🎤 Artist 💕 Love Interest 🌈 Ambition

Joe (Ciarán Hinds)

A successful designer with a gallant nature, Joe finds himself in a complicated engagement with the fashion-oriented Edythe. His character represents the struggle between societal expectations and true feelings, contributing to the film's exploration of love and ambition. Joe's relationship with Miss Pettigrew highlights the intersection of passion and friendship.

🎨 Designer ❤️ Love Interest 🌟 Conflict

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day Settings

Learn where and when Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (2008) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

1939

The year 1939 marks a pivotal moment in history, with the looming threat of global conflict casting a shadow over Europe. Despite the impending war, this time is characterized by a vibrant cultural scene, particularly in London, where art, music, and social engagements flourish. The backdrop highlights the contrast between the carefree pursuits of love and ambition and the impending turmoil of the world stage.

Location

London

London in 1939 is a vibrant urban hub known for its lavish lifestyles and bustling social scene. It serves as a backdrop for the arts, where glamour and ambition intermingle, especially among the affluent who populate the city's high society. The city is teetering on the brink of World War II, adding layers of tension and transformation to its social fabric.

🏙️ City 🏰 Urban Life

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day Themes

Discover the main themes in Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (2008). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

❤️

Romantic Destiny

The theme of romantic destiny is central to the journey of the characters, particularly Miss Pettigrew and Delysia. Their experiences reflect the complexities of love and ambition, illustrating how personal aspirations can shape romantic choices. The film emphasizes the importance of friendship and mutual support in navigating the often tumultuous landscape of romance.

🎭

Social Status

Social status plays a significant role in the narrative, affecting the characters' interactions and relationships. Miss Pettigrew navigates the high-society world while challenging her place within it. The film critiques the superficial aspects of social standing and showcases how true worth and identity often lie beyond wealth and appearances.

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (2008). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.

In the elegant bustle of 1939 London, a city caught between the lingering shadows of war and the glitter of pre‑war glamour, a modest governess finds herself abruptly without a position. Miss Pettigrew has spent two decades slipping quietly into the homes of the privileged, polishing silver and soothing children, yet now she stands at the threshold of an uncertain future. The streets hum with jazz, newspapers whisper about looming conflict, and the air is thick with the promise of change—a perfect backdrop for a woman who finally decides to take charge of her own destiny.

Her unexpected appointment lands her in the opulent penthouse of a celebrated American actress and singer, where she meets the charismatic and flamboyant Delysia. The actress’s world is a dazzling carousel of soirée invitations, whispered intrigues, and artistic ambition, a stark contrast to the governess’s previously ordered life. As a newly minted social secretary, Miss Pettigrew steps into a role that demands quick wit, stylish poise, and a willingness to navigate the fast‑moving currents of high society, all while the city’s elegant veneer hints at deeper undercurrents of longing and ambition.

Within the span of a single, whirlwind day, the two women find themselves caught in a lively dance of romance, career choices, and personal revelation. The tone swirls between light‑hearted charm and the subtle tension of a world on the brink of upheaval, inviting the audience to wonder how a day of unexpected glamour might reshape the lives of those daring enough to seize it. Their budding friendship and the dazzling, unpredictable events that swirl around them promise both laughter and self‑discovery, setting the stage for a transformative adventure that lingers long after the city lights dim.

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