Most newspaper men and women who worked in the 20th century would probably be quick to catch the title of this film. "It Happens Every Thursday" refers to the getting out of a weekly newspaper. Even well into the 21st century, the U.S. alone had some 7,000 non-daily newspapers. Most of these are weekly, although a few publish two or three times per week.
At one time around the middle of the 20th century, it was common for harried news reporters on big city papers to dream about having their own small town weekly paper where they could settle down and raise their family in peace. Or, so the dream life seemed. This movie gives a good look at what that life could really be like.
Loretta Young and John Forsythe star as the couple who take their family from the big city to a small town to own and run their own paper. The film shows the challenges of running a small town paper, and of new owners struggling to make it work.
In this case, a strong love between the couple, and their growing family, add to a plot that mixes some comedy with drama. The film has a fine supporting cast. It's an enjoyable film that's suitable for the whole family. However, some modern audiences may find it slow.
Here are a couple favorite lines from the film.
Jane MacAvoy, "And Mrs. Spatch." Mrs. Eva Spatch, "Huh?" Jane, "I don't know what I would've done without you." Mrs. Spatch, "Ah, child. You see, the trouble with you is you were raised in a big city. You wanted something; you just called up and got it. Well, around here there's not so many of us. So, whoever can, does."
Bob MacAvoy and Jane pass each other as he rushes out to lead a Boy Scout meeting. Bob says, "I love you." Jane MacAvoy, "Scout's honor?" Bob, holding up three fingers, "Scout's honor."
