The Advent of Jane

Dr. Jane Bixby arrives in a small rural town as one of its few trained physicians. When odd signs point toward a hidden moonshiner's still, she uses medical observation, conversations with locals, and careful reasoning to assemble the pieces of the mystery. Townspeople respond with a mix of suspicion and curiosity as Jane balances her professional obligations, community gossip, and some personal risk while trying to uncover who is running the illegal distillery. She handles local power dynamics, sparring with law figures and earning cautious allies, while the everyday rhythms of the place provide a plain but detailed backdrop to her inquiry. The story follows her methods and the way her presence unsettles established habits, focusing on problem solving rather than melodrama.

Released in 1912 and directed by Harry Solter, the film stars Florence Lawrence as Dr. Jane Bixby and Owen Moore as Joe Buford. Contemporary production details are sparse, but the casting reflects early studio practices and star-driven promotion by studios.

No reliable box office figures survive for many short films of this era, including The Advent of Jane, so its commercial reach is unknown and any estimates would be speculative. No contemporary distribution or ticket records have survived for it.

Though surviving prints and commentary are limited, the picture stands out for giving a professional woman the lead role at a very early point in cinema history. Florence Lawrence's portrayal helped popularize the idea that female characters could be capable, technical, and central to a plot in early film scholarship.

Critical response at the time is scarce, and modern assessment depends on fragmentary sources. Viewers note its focus on rural crime, legal authority, and practical problem solving, along with gendered expectations. The film is of interest to historians studying early portrayals of professional women and it rewards careful historical study.