Frances McDormand (“Fargo”) plays the title character, Guinevere Pettigrew, who is employed for one hectic and chaotic day as the “social secretary” to aspiring American actress/cabaret singer Delysia Lafosse (Adams).

Everything about this lighthearted, deliberately paced production feels like a stage play in the guise of a movie. It takes place in the depressed economy of 1939 London with ominous war clouds on the horizon. The three main venues are a penthouse apartment, a hotel ballroom and a popular nightclub.

This busy day is packed with activities. It starts in the bedroom with one of Delysia’s three boyfriends.

There is a lingerie fashion show, shopping and a makeover, a cocktail party and an evening of singing and dancing until dawn.

Delysia must make the classic choice between love or money among her three suitors.

Michael (Lee Pace of “Pushing Daisies”) is the handsome and devoted piano player. Nick is the slick, intimidating owner of the nightclub and ritzy apartment. Phil is the impressionable producer of a West End play looking for a leading lady.

Pettigrew makes a startling transformation from the bread lines to high society, which propels her into the orbit of Joe (Ciaran Hinds, who played Julius Caesar in “Rome”), a successful fashion designer of ladies’ undergarments.

With a soundtrack of recognizable Broadway show tunes, stylish period touches, a likeable cast and elegant formal wear outfits, this delightful and breezy romp is an enjoyable way to spend a dignified date night. Its sparkling approach is a nice change of pace from the standard cinematic fare.

Review By:
Keith Cohen, The Movie Guy