It Happened Tomorrow

1944
A
1h 25m

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Linda Darnell and Dick Powell in It Happened Tomorrow (1944)

A young turn-of-the-century newspaper man finds he can get hold of the next day's paper. This brings more problems than fortune, especially as his new girlfriend is part of a phony clairvoya... Read allA young turn-of-the-century newspaper man finds he can get hold of the next day's paper. This brings more problems than fortune, especially as his new girlfriend is part of a phony clairvoyant act.A young turn-of-the-century newspaper man finds he can get hold of the next day's paper. This brings more problems than fortune, especially as his new girlfriend is part of a phony clairvoyant act.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.0/10

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 2 Oscars
- 2 wins & 3 nominations total

Top cast57

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Dick Powell

Larry Stevens

Linda Darnell

Sylvia

Jack Oakie

Cigolini

Edgar Kennedy

Inspector Mulrooney

John Philliber

Pop Benson

George Cleveland

Mr. Gordon

Sig Ruman

Mr. Beckstein

George Chandler

Eddie Acuff

Edward Brophy

Shomberg

Paul Guilfoyle

Shep

Luis Alberni

Restaurant Owner
(uncredited)

Fred Aldrich

Show Spectator
(uncredited)

Stanley Andrews

Policeman
(uncredited)

Walter Bacon

Racetrack Spectator
(uncredited)

Vangie Beilby

Wedding Witness
(uncredited)

Edward Biby

Gambler
(uncredited)

Lulu Mae Bohrman

Show Spectator
(uncredited)

User reviews51

Featured review

8/10

Writing on the Wall

"It Happened Tomorrow" could have stood a better beginning - the choice to introduce the story with elderly Dick Powell and Linda Darnell (as Larry and Sylvia Smith) celebrating 50 years of wedded bliss sacrifices the story's surprises. The film does possess the light touch required to make the framing sequence charming. But, director René Clair and Mr. Powell build an unexpectedly good level of suspense regarding Powell's courtship, and mortality. They are so good, you can almost forget how much the opening gives away

Watch for a thoroughly delightful (and unfortunately rare) performance by sagely John Philliber (as "Pop" Benson). He plays the keeper of the "Evening News" "morgue" (a place where newspapers keep obituaries and other files). Possibly, Mr. Philliber had read his own notice; he died in 1944. Powell was also able to read the writing on the wall, and saved his fledgling career by pursuing more interesting roles (like this one). Jackie Oakie and Edgar Kennedy are also on board. This is a subtle celebration of life, and its mysteries.

******** It Happened Tomorrow (5/28/44) René Clair ~ Dick Powell, Linda Darnell, John Philliber, Jackie Oakie

wes-connors
Apr 14, 2009
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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
(at around 15 mins) Larry Stevens (Dick Powell) quips to his housekeeper, when she asks him if he needs his coat, "Don't you think love might keep me warm?" and winks. This is a nod to Powell's song in On the Avenue (1937).

Goofs
In 1896 Cigolini (Jack Oakie) shoos away a (horse-drawn) cabbie with the injunction, "23, Skidoo!" That phrase only became a popular fad in 1905, and there's no record of "23" even by itself as slang before 1899.

Quotes
Pop Benson: News is what happens. What's the difference whether it happens 50 years ago... or tomorrow?
Lawrence 'Larry' Stevens: You mean Will happen tomorrow.
Pop Benson: No. Time is only an illusion! Look, March 18, 1875. To the people then, this was the future; wasn't it? Well, suppose we were all living on that date in 1875... and I arrived with this book. I can tell you everything that will happen.

Crazy credits
Like many films of the time, this one encourages theatregoers to support the war effort. The third screen of credits seen at the end says: "Make it Happen Tomorrow Buy Bonds and Stamps Today!"

Alternate versions
There is an Italian edition of this film on DVD, "ORE X: COLPO SENSAZIONALE", re-edited in double version (1.33:1 and 1.78:1) with the contribution of film historian Riccardo Cusin. This version is also available for streaming on some platforms.

Connections
Referenced in Early Edition (1996)

Soundtracks
Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms
(uncredited)
Traditional Irish melody
Lyrics by Thomas Moore
[Sung by those gathered at the beginning]