The best scenes in the film occur at the very end, which is a shame. The first half of Miss Pettigrew offers subtle clues that this overwrought society is headed toward war, but these clues are few and get lost amid the circus of DelysiaÕs sex life.  The audience is as bewildered as Miss Pettigrew herself in this world, which might have worked if the scenes offered more humor. However, each time ÒJeepers!Ó comes out of Amy Adams mouth, the film becomes less charming.  McNormand does her best to ground the plot, but it appears too much for even her.

The depths of the movie are carried in the relationship between Miss Pettigrew and Joe (Ciar‡n Hinds), an important lingerie designer, who both remember the first World War. The younger people in the film attempt to create electricity and excitement enough, but their enthusiasm cannot balance against the experience and warmth that McNormand and Hinds offer.  Overall, this film might make a good rental, but isnÕt worth stepping out to see.

Katie Morris is a writer and film critic living in Chicago..