There’s charm to the title and there’ charm to the movie: “Miss Pettigrew Lives for Day” shows Frances McDormand, Amy Adams and Ciarán Hinds in one very inspired on-screen teaming.

Bharat Nalluri directed romantic comedy “Miss Pettigrew Lives for Day” with the look and feel of a glamorous 1930s Hollywood movie. That all the characters are bedecked in the era’s typical and unmistakable fashion contributes greatly to the film’s atmosphere, as do the rich and elegant settings.

The film’s story, written by David Magee and Simon Beaufoy, is based on novel of the same name by Winifred Watson. Set in 1939 London, it focuses on Guinevere Pettigrew (McDormand), a tame, down-on-her-luck governess that has just lost her job and is being irretrievably rejected by her employment agency.

In a spur of the moment initiative, Miss Pettigrew pilfers another colleague’s work order and runs off to her new job. She finds herself not a governess but a social secretary to unconventional and ambitious American actress and singer Delysia Lafosse (Adams), a young woman striving to reach success, that is, star in a West End musical, and messing up her love life in the meantime.

The two women develop an unexpected and tender friendship and ultimately look out for each other. Miss Pettigrew cares about Delysia finding her true love, standing right under her nose, while Delysia cares about Miss Pettigrew’s wellbeing and comfort.

While both are putting scruples aside in order to survive, they also are warm individuals who listen to their hearts. Delysia, who juggles three beaus throughout the movie, finally recognizes true love in the person of a nightclub pianist by the name of Michael (Lee Pace), while Miss Pettigrew shares romance with lingerie designer, Joe (Ciarán Hinds).

The story evolves over a 24-hour period during which time the serious-minded Miss Pettigrew comically learns to unwind and enjoy the flow.

“Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day” is rated PG-13 for some partial nudity and innuendo. Opens on Friday nationwide.

Directed by Bharat Nalluri; written by David Magee and Simon Beaufoy, based on the novel by Winifred Watson.

Released by Focus Features.

Running time: 1 hour 32 minutes.

Cast: Frances McDormand (Miss Pettigrew), Amy Adams (Delysia), Lee Pace (Michael), Ciaran Hinds (Joe), Shirley Henderson (Edythe), Mark Strong (Nick) and Tom Payne (Phil).