JESSICA

France/Italy/US, 1962, 105 minutes, Colour.
Angie Dickenson, Maurice Chevalier, Gabriele Ferzetti, Sylva Koscina, Agnes Moorhead, Marcel Dalio.
Directed by Jean Negulesco.

Jessica is a piece of lavish fluff. Filmed on beautiful Sicilian locations in Panavision, it is the story of an American nurse, a widow, who attracts all the men of the village - as well as receiving the anger of the wives. She is supported by the parish priest, played in his usual genial role by Maurice Chevalier. Jessica is an attractive and young Angie Dickenson.

There are references to Aristophanes' Lysistrata, and the women going on sexual strike against their husbands, in their grievance against Jessica. Fortunately, there is a Marquis in the village (unrecognized by Jessica) who enables the whole plot to be resolved ultra romantically. The direction is by Jean Negulesco, the director of taut thrillers during the 40s including Conspirators, Three Strangers as well as Johnny Belinda. His late 50s and 60s work included romantic comedies like this one like Count Your Blessings.

1. Enjoyable comedy? Picture of Sicily? Battle of the sexes?

2. Sicilian locations, panavision photography? The beauty of the countryside? The songs, Maurice Chevalier? The musical score?

3. The title and the focus on Jessica? Father Antonio and his commentary on the impact in. the village, the reaction of the women, of the men, the crisis?

4. Jessica as the widow, Chicago background, a nurse? Coming to Sicily? Riding her bike, her accommodation, her skill in her work as a midwife? Wanting to settle? The attraction of the men? The clashes with the women? Maria Lombardo leading the women against her? The reliance on Fr Antonio? Friendship with Gianni? The wedding, coming to the celebration? Meeting the Marquis and not knowing who he was? Her friendship with the old gardener? The women going on strike, the discovery of the truth? The decision to turn the tables and make herself attractive to the men? The build up to the climax and the confrontation? People giving way? The marriage to the Marquis? The happy ending and her staying in Sicily? A romantic heroine.

5. Fr. Antonio, Maurice Chevalier's genial style, comedy, comments, silence? His estimation of the villagers? Relationship with them? Masses, sermons, advice? His turning against Jessica, thinking it the best thing? His change of heart? Support of her?

6. The Marquis, enigmatic presence, his wealth, reputation? At the celebration, telling Jessica a lie, romantically involved, his return? The clash? Happy ending?

7. Maria Lombardo and the women, Sicilian style, their relationship with their men, the men and their wandering eyes? The women ganging against Jessica? Their strike against their men - and the references to Lysistrata? The fights? The marriage ceremonies? The happy resolution? Janni and Nicoletta, Janni's wandering eye, the marriage, the clash, the reconciliation?

8. The old man and his young bride, strike, her being pregnant, his happiness?

9. A variation on the battle of the sexes with allusions to classical plays and background? A movie of the 60s?