Tuesday, January 27, 2009

It Happened To Jane - Quine, 1959

Richard Quine was prolific during the late 50's on through the 60's, sometimes hitting the mark squarely , as in World of Suzie Wong (8), but more often just missing, as in Paris - When It Sizzles (3), My Sister Eileen (4), and How To Murder Your Wife (4). This one is a clear miss. Doris Day has never been more annoyingly goody, and Jack Lemmon has never been more boringly boy scout. And, as in far too many Doris Day movies, you'd love to have the chance to strangle the kids.

Ernie Kovacs is good as the villian, but even he turns saccharine in the end. This movie was one of Day's few box office bombs during her peak period, and this despite intense studio publicity. You can understand why. It's tiresome and a 3 rating.

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