It Happened Tomorrow [1944] (REGION 1) (NTSC)

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A turn-of-the-century fantasy by Rene Clair, and quite good.......2007-08-21

Pops Benson (John Philliber) had wise words for young reporter Larry Stephens (Dick Powell), if only Stephens had listened. "There's nothing as dead as yesterday's news," Larry had said to Pops, the aging librarian of the New York newspaper they both worked for. "You have no imagination, young man," Pops replied. "News is what happens. What's the difference if it happens 50 years ago or tomorrow?" But Larry realizes what it would mean if he could know the future, even if it were just 24 hours ahead. He could write his own ticket as a reporter. Pops cautions him. "It's no good to know the future. We've all got to die someday...but if we knew the day, even if it was 20 years off...my boy, every day of your life would be poisoned."

Late that evening, walking by the closed newspaper offices, Larry meets Pops again. And Pops hands him a copy of their newspaper and tells him not to lose it. The next morning Larry realizes it's today's paper, which isn't due to be printed for several hours. Larry finds himself on a rollercoaster...writing up a crime only he knows is going to happen, becoming a hero to his boss, meeting the love of his life, Sylvia Smith (Linda Darnell), and her blustering uncle, Oscar Smith (Jack Oakie), aka The Great Giglioni, who have a phony psychic act. He also becomes a police suspect because he seems to know too much about crimes just happening. Then Pop appears again, late at night, and gives him another paper. He races to the river to save Sylvia in a good hearted scheme to help her uncle. He makes a fortune at the race track. And he comes across a story on page one: Ace reporter Larry Stephens is shot to death at the St. George Hotel. Everything in the two newspapers Pops has given him have turned out to be true. There's no reason to think his death won't turn out to be true, too.

Well, bear in mind that this is a turn-of-the-century romantic fantasy by one of the great light romantic directors, Rene Clair. The whole story is a clever, charming fable, expertly directed by Clair and acted with assurance by Powell. There's no doubt in the world that the ending will be happy, not the least because the story starts with the 50th wedding anniversary party being held for Larry and Sylvia Stephens by their many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Only then does the movie slip back in time. Clair doesn't waste a minute reflecting on fate; there's just the set up with what Pops tells Larry. Be careful what you wish for, Clair is saying, and he shows the consequences with humor and warmth.

Dick Powell may have been a bit too old for the part of the young, eager reporter, but he carries off the role with confidence and style. He was an expert light comedian. Watch how he reacts to reading the news of his death. This same year, 1944, saw his emergence as a tough guy, playing Philip Marlowe in Murder, My Sweet. It was a part he had to fight for. I've always thought Powell was a watchable, interesting actor. Even with Jack Oakie's comic blustering, Powell has no difficulty dominating the movie.

The film looks great. It was restored and remastered as part of the UCLA Film Archive. There are no extras.

It Happened Tomorrow [1944] (REGION 1) (NTSC)

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It Happened Tomorrow [1944] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
Dick Powell
Manufacturer: Kino International
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Drama | Classics | Categories | DVD | Video

DVD | Format (binding_browse-bin) | Refinements | DVD | Video
ASIN: 6307849452
Release Date: 2003-07-22

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