Synopsis
London, England, on the eve of World War II. Guinevere Pettigrew, a strict governess who is unable to keep a job, is fired again. Lost in the hostile city, a series of fortunate circumstances lead her to meet Delysia LaFosse, a glamorous and dazzling American jazz singer whose life is a chaos ruled by indecision, a continuous battle between love and fame.
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Cast
- Frances McDormandGuinevere Pettigrew
- Amy AdamsDelysia LaFosse
- Lee PaceMichael Pardew
- Ciarán HindsJoe Blomfield
- Shirley HendersonEdythe Dubarry
- Mark StrongNick Caldarelli
- Tom PaynePhil Goldman
- Christina ColeCharlotte Warren
- Clare CliffordMargery
- Stephanie ColeMiss Holt
Recommendations
- 88
ReelViews
Adams shines brightly, reinforcing the image she projected in Junebug and enhanced in Enchanted and Charlie Wilson's War. At this time of the year, it's tough to find a more diverting way to spend 90 minutes in a multiplex. - 80
The Hollywood Reporter
Sustains itself through terrific forward momentum and two glorious star turns by gifted actresses Frances McDormand and Amy Adams. - 75
Chicago Tribune
Style is a tricky, elusive thing, and this film doesn’t so much have it as strive for it, constantly. But something in Watson’s story endures: The wish-fulfillment truly satisfies. And with the war clouds gathering by story’s end, the fairy tale acquires a bittersweet edge, nicely cutting all that whipped cream. - 70
Variety
McDormand's performance slowly builds a solid integrity, and contrasts well with Adams' more flamboyant turn. - 70
Washington Post
The film's flaws are nothing compared with the pleasures it offers, chiefly in its unapologetic pursuit of old-fashioned sweetness and romance. - 67
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
The film is lovely to look at -- so overflowing with lavish furniture, jewelry and interiors that it's almost like a visit to Paris' Musée des Arts Décoratifs. If you're a fan of such things, "Pettigrew" is worth seeing solely for its sets. - 58
Entertainment Weekly
Adams, of course, is a peach. Her sparkle requires only minor character adjustment and twinkle recharging from her recent triumph as the old-fashioned modern heroine in "Enchanted." - 58
The A.V. Club
In trying to recapture the spirit of classic '30s screwball comedies, the film too often mistakes manic energy for wit, and it ends on a note of gloppy sentimentality that wouldn't have held water in Old Hollywood.
