Summary: Enjoyable, Sleepy Sunday Afternoon Type Movie It Happened to Jane (1959) ... aka Jane from Maine (USA) ... aka Twinkle and Shine. Richard Quine of "World of Suzie Wong (1960)" fame (directed this lovely little movie during the last part of President Eisenhower's Administration. All was "okay" with the world and America was recovering from the trauma of World War II. We had a Good versus Bad, Black & White mentality about our society and it was alright to call the president "Ike". This Movie symbolizes that synergy of a vibrant do anything culture along with the emergence of women in business for themselves. Immediately, our heroine Jane Osgood played aptly by the beautiful and loving Doris Day, runs into trouble with the villainous Railroad owner Harry Foster Malone who dining habits alone makes the viewer cringe. Mr. Malone is played by Ernie Kovacs who appears to have put on 40+ pounds for the film, and shaved his head, bearing a definite intentional resemblance to "Citizen Kane (1941)" character Charles Foster Kane. Jane's business dilemma must be solved or their is ruin to be had. Jane turns to lifelong friend and unrequited lover, George Denham played by Jack Lemmon. Mr. Denham is the local attorney and the want-to-be First Selectman of the town of Cape Anne, Maine. This wonderful corner of the American landscape could have been painted by Norman Rockwell, including the Cub Scout Troop with their Pack meeting and the proverbial Town Hall meeting where the last of America's Democracy happens and every person of voting age gets a vote. Jane has the seemingly brilliant plan of suing Mr. Malone, after a preliminary settlement proves unacceptable, and from there the fight is on. Having won her local court case, Jane seizes "Old 97", one of Malone's trains. A reactionary Malone fires back with "Track Rent" for Jane's Train. The American media of the time takes up the cause-Celeb and reporter Lawrence Clay 'Larry' Hall played by Steve Forrest is dispatched finding Jane more interesting than the story. Mr. Hall coaxes Jane to come to New York and make the rounds of the television programs of the era seeking support, even appearing on "I've Got a Secret" with Gary Moore. This turn of events throws George into a jealous dither as only Jack Lemmon could portray, fearing the loss of affection from his Small town sweetheart Jane. Jane nearly falters when the Town administration speaks out, but George saves the day, concocting a plan to fill the Lobster orders Jane has garnered form her publicity. In an effort to deliver her lobster orders, a terrific Train journey on "Old 97" ensues with Malone tossing "route-blocks" and detours at every turn. Finally, our villain sees the light of day and turns from the "Meanest Man in the World" into an old softy with a heart of real gold, concluding with his donation of a new fire truck for the town. This movie presents the viewer with a terrific view of east coast American life at a time when anyone could take on the big boy and win. This film is fun, enjoyable and perfectly fit for children, with a great life lesson and a solid moral letting our families know that right is just that and wrong cannot triumph over good.
Review of It Happened to Jane
