Love & the End of an Era

Chanced upon a little gem this almost-apocalyptic weekend.

Have you seen "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day"?

Simple film really.

Homeless unemployed governess "curiously" finds work as a "social secretary" of an American starlet wanting to make it big. Starlet sleeps with numerous men to get what she wants/needs but alas, true love comes in the form of a penniless pianist who offers her (oh yes) true love. Starlet is really a nobody, realizes the "sacrifices" she needs to make--governess whips her into shape--makes her realize that she is making the biggest mistake of her life by not choosing love--and the rest is a happy ending.

Starlet chooses pianist (after song number with then scorned musician [which totally makes her realize that he is the man that she loves]) sails to New York with him with hopes of making it big their, says goodbye to the governess (both thankful for an unforgettable life altering day they spent together) starlet wishes her all the best...and the governess is left wandering the streets of London, to meet the man he is also looking for.

Set in 1930s London, the Jazz age, sparkling chandeliers & the cabaret--silk stockings and cigarettes.

The most particular thing that I liked is the eve of the war--how this world of singing, partying and dancing is threatened to disappear by the arrival of air raids and bomb shelters. The finiteness of the age exhilarates emotion, makes one see the things of greater value in a society jacked up by appearances.

and on this stormy afternoon, after a flood that leaves many many people wanting, don't you just really want to fall in love?