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 clairvoyant act.

Director:

René Clair

Writers:

Lord Dunsany (play), Hugh Wedlock Jr. (story),

Stars:

Dick Powell, Linda Darnell, Jack Oakie

Nominated for 2 Oscars.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Dick Powell	...	Lawrence 'Larry' Stevens
Linda Darnell	...	Sylvia Smith / Sylvia Stevens
Jack Oakie	...	Uncle Oscar Smith / Cigolini
Edgar Kennedy	...	Inspector Mulrooney
John Philliber	...	Pop Benson
Edward Brophy	...	Jake Shomberg
George Cleveland	...	Mr. Gordon
Sig Ruman	...	Mr. Beckstein
Paul Guilfoyle	...	Shep
George Chandler	...	Bob
Eddie Acuff	...	Jim

Storyline

In the beginning of the Twentieth Century, Lawrence 'Larry' Stevens is an ambitious reporter of The Evening News. One day, he is celebrating with his colleagues and he tells his friend Pop Benson that he would like to know the news in advance before it happens. While they are walking on the street, they see a poster of the clairvoyant Cigolini and his gorgeous niece Sylvia Smith and they decide to go to a theater to see the show. Larry flirts with Sylvia and on his way back home, he overhears Pop on the street and the old man tells that he is waiting for him and gives a newspaper to him. Larry does not give much attention and puts the newspaper in the pocket of his jacket. On the next morning, he finds that the newspaper is an edition of the next day. Larry uses the information to scoop about a hold up in the opera house, becoming the prime suspect of Inspector Mulrooney. Larry dates Sylvia and Pop gives another edition of The Evening News of the next day. Larry becomes a successful ...

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Plot Keywords:

newspaper | horse race | newspaper reporter | magic show | robbery | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Fantasy

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 May 1944 (USA)

Also Known As:

René Clair's It Happened Tomorrow

Company Credits

Production Co:

Arnold Pressburger Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Mirrophonic Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

"The Screen Guild Theater" broadcast a 30 minute radio adaptation of the movie on September 25, 1944 with Dick Powell and Linda Darnell reprising their film roles.

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Connections

Remade as La hora 24 (1990)

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Soundtracks

"Light Cavalry Overture"
(uncredited)
Music by Franz von Suppé
Played when Larry and Cigolini are chasing the thief

User Reviews

Attention "Early Edition" and "Twilight Zone" fans.

If you are a fan of the TV show "Early Edition" it should be noteworthy that it was based on the film "It Happened Tomorrow," director Rene Clair's 1944 fantasy follow-up to his own "I Married a Witch."

This early "Early Edition" is a classic film whose story is like one of the great "Twilight Zone" episodes complete with twists, irony and a lesson to be learned. In comparison to contemporary offerings it is nice to see a film that is both fun and intelligent. Though technically a drama, this film has plenty of comedy too.

One of my favorite actresses, Lynda Darnell ("Forever Amber"), co-stars along side Dick Powell and one of the great comedic side-kick actors of all time Jack Oakie. Comedy film buffs watch for Eddie Acuff (the mailman in the Blondie series) in an uncredited role.