Maureen Lee Lenker’s debut novel takes readers on a nostalgic journey back to the 1930s. However, Lenker’s sources of inspiration aren’t limited to that era alone. She creatively weaves elements from various decades of pop culture, breathing life into her story. Imagine stepping into a time machine where the past and present collide, as Lenker’s captivating narrative serves as a bridge connecting different periods. It’s as if she gathers fragments from different puzzles and skillfully arranges them into one cohesive masterpiece. Lenker’s ability to tap into the essence of each decade adds a delightful twist to the overall reading experience.
Lenker, an established author at EW, ventures into the world of fiction with her first novel It Happened One Fight, a captivating and effervescent love story that unfolds amidst the vibrant backdrop of 1930s Hollywood. The narrative revolves around the captivatingly heated dynamic between Joan Davis and Dash Howard, long-time co-stars who possess an undeniable onscreen chemistry that is only rivaled by their incessant offscreen quarrels. Joan yearns to seize control of her own career and create distance between herself and Dash. However, her plans are abruptly derailed when a mischievous prank orchestrated by Dash on set leads to an unforeseen consequence – their unexpected and legally binding marriage.
In a delightful twist of fate, the two actors have reached a consensus to collaborate on a final cinematic masterpiece. This time, they have chosen the vibrant city of Reno, Nevada, where the legal process of divorce is expedited after a mere six weeks. However, before they can embark on this new venture, Joan and Dash must navigate the challenges of working together on set, all while battling the lingering sensation that their pretend union may unexpectedly blossom into something genuine. It’s a journey that promises tension, excitement, and a touch of uncertainty, leaving us wondering if love can truly be found beneath the facade of make-believe.
Lenker joined the EW team as an intern back in 2017, where she found her passion in writing about timeless movies, thrilling showbiz stories, and heart-melting love stories. As a result, it’s not shocking that her first book, It Happened One Night, encompasses all of these fascinating elements. Set to be released on July 11, the novel draws inspiration from several films, actors, and intriguing real-life Hollywood gossip. Join Lenker as she examines the pieces that shaped her debut with excitement and insight.
The original inspiration for It Happened One Fight wasn’t a 1930s film, but a project released decades later: Bram Stoker’s Dracula, starring Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder. In 2018, Lenker interviewed Reeves and Ryder about their rom-com Destination Wedding, where Ryder told her that she and Reeves might have accidentally gotten married on the set of Dracula in 1992. As Ryder explained, director Francis Ford Coppola recruited a real Romanian priest to officiate their wedding scene, which means that Reeves and Ryder might be legally united in matrimony.
Lenker remembers the moment vividly. The moment she got off the phone, an intense rush of excitement propelled her to her computer. She felt an urgent need to document what had just transpired because she knew it had the potential to cause a stir on the internet. And boy, did it deliver! The notion that someone could unintentionally become legally married while on a film set is simply mind-boggling. It goes against all logic, but somehow, it turned out to be a genuine possibility. It’s the kind of inexplicable scenario that makes you laugh in disbelief while also appreciating the sheer entertainment value it offers.
Years after the incident, Lenker found herself fixated on Ryder’s surprising disclosure. The concept of two actors unintentionally tying the knot while filming served as the inspiration for her narrative. According to Lenker, the outcome is a captivating tale reminiscent of “Keanu and Winona, except they begin as foes and gradually become enamored with each other during the glamorous era of Hollywood.”
The title of the book, obviously, gives respect and recognition to a classic screwball romantic comedy that is considered legendary: It Happened One Night, featuring the unforgettable pairing of Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. This influential film from 1934 served as a catalyst for all future romantic comedies by establishing the framework for all the witty and playful exchanges between characters who start off as adversaries but eventually fall in love. It set the stage for the timeless charm and captivating storylines that continue to captivate audiences to this day.
Lenker expresses that the movie in question is both captivating and brief, clocking in at approximately 90 minutes. She highlights its charm and notes that it was released in 1934, shortly after the incorporation of sound into films. Despite its relatively early release, Lenker emphasizes the sophistication and advancement of the film’s filmmaking techniques.
Throughout the book, various references to the film can be found, including the unforgettable “Walls of Jericho” scene where Gable ingeniously puts up a blanket between two beds. However, the most significant influence on the book was Gable himself, who served as the inspiration for the charismatic leading man, Dash Howard. According to Lenker, the protagonist Joan Davis is a combination of the great actresses Joan Crawford and Bette Davis, but Dash embodies the essence of Gable. Lenker extensively researched Gable’s life, immersing herself in biographies to capture his essence. Ultimately, she drew upon his on-screen suave persona, showcased in iconic films such as Gone With the Wind and Too Hot to Handle, as well as his mischievous off-screen nature.
Lenker reveals that she was surprised to discover his love for playing tricks on set. She compares his mischievous nature to that of the famous actor George Clooney. Lenker explains that her book begins with an amusing incident involving a skunk in a dressing room, except this skunk had its sprayer removed. She goes on to mention that there are rumors about Clark Gable once placing a skunk in the office of a Hollywood executive.
When she’s not immersed in the world of film, Lenker loves indulging in romance novels. One particular author, Meg Cabot, holds a special place in her heart. Cabot’s captivating stories, including well-known titles like The Princess Diaries, The Mediator series, and All-American Girl, ignited Lenker’s passion for writing. In fact, it was Cabot’s unique writing style that influenced Lenker to infuse some of that delightful back-and-forth banter between Joan and Dash in her own work. Cabot’s words truly struck a chord with Lenker and left a lasting impression on her as a fellow storyteller.
Lenker shares that she began delving into the works of this author when she was around 11 or 12 years old. It was during this time that she encountered captivating literature that possessed a distinctive voice, yet one that resonated with her own. As a young aspiring writer, Lenker found herself emulating the esteemed Meg Cabot, drawn to her unique style and tone. With fondness, Lenker expresses her desire for her own book to exude a similar blend of humor and romance that Cabot so brilliantly displayed, acknowledging the significant impact the author had on her creative journey.
Lenker refers to the cherished TV channel as her “initial film school.” During her childhood, she was restricted from viewing PG-13 or R-rated movies until her teenage years, which led her to indulge in marathons of black-and-white masterpieces on TCM. As she grew older, her admiration for the network’s extensive collection and enthusiasm for the past of filmmaking grew stronger.
According to Lenker, the impact of the network is profound. It has formed the basis for knowledge and understanding, uncovering numerous stars and enriching perspectives. Whether simply catching a glimpse or having it on as ambient noise, the network has instilled a deep appreciation for film history and sparked curiosity about the unfamiliar. In fact, Lenker emphasizes the immense value TCM brings, as it has inspired the inclusion of hidden surprises in the book, specifically tailored to delight and captivate devoted TCM viewers.
Lenker actually drew motivation from a specific event connected to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM): Not long ago, she went to a showing of the pre-Code gem Merrily We Go to Hell during the TCM Classic Film Festival held in Los Angeles. It was during this experience that she discovered Neal Dodd, the actor portraying the minister in the movie, was an actual reverend who officiated marriages both in real life and on the silver screen. Fascinated by this revelation, Lenker found herself inspired by Dodd’s versatility in uniting couples both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
She expresses her thoughts, saying, “I had this idea floating around in my mind about setting the book during the glamorous era of Hollywood. It felt like the perfect missing element to complete the whole picture.”
Lenker’s ultimate source of inspiration didn’t directly impact the actual act of writing, but it undeniably played a vital role in ensuring that It Happened One Fight made its way to bookstores. The audiobook edition features the talented actress Patti Murin, who portrayed Anna in the renowned Broadway production of Frozen. With Murin’s exceptional narration skills, she expertly breathes life into the witty and lively exchanges between the characters Joan and Dash in the story.
Lenker tells the story of how she and Murin became friends on the internet years ago, connecting over their mutual adoration for Bachelor in Paradise. Naturally, she was overjoyed when Murin, a real-life Disney princess, approached her and proposed recording the audiobook. Lenker chuckles as she reminisces about her earliest encounter with romance through Beauty and the Beast and her desire for someone to gift her a grand library. The fact that Patti has portrayed Belle only adds to the perfect fit of this collaboration.