It All Came True (1940) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Tommy's partnership with Chips and the gun

Aspiring songwriter Tommy Taylor learns that Chips has used a gun registered to him to murder Monks after betraying Chips to the police. It becomes clear that Chips always intended to cast Tommy as the fall guy. Tommy realizes his career and freedom are at stake as he is dragged into a dangerous conspiracy.

Chips extorts Tommy to drive him to Nora's boarding house

With the police closing in, Chips blackmails Tommy into taking him to Nora Taylor's boarding house, threatening to turn the gun over to the authorities. Tommy has little choice but to comply, hoping to keep his name clear. The move marks the start of a precarious shelter for Chips and a trap for Tommy.

Where

Nora Taylor's boarding house

Nora reunites with her son; Chips introduces himself as Grasselli

Nora Taylor is overjoyed to see her son after five years apart. Tommy introduces Chips, who pretends to be Grasselli recovering from a nervous condition. The deception allows Chips to mingle with the other residents and lay low while plotting.

Where

Nora's boarding house

Sarah Jane returns and Tommy's indifference

Maggie’s showgirl daughter Sarah Jane returns the same day. The two mothers dream of their children marrying, but Tommy seems indifferent to Sarah Jane’s presence. This sets up a tension between Tommy and Sarah Jane that will complicate events.

Where

Boarding house parlor

Sarah Jane suspects Grasselli

Sarah Jane grows suspicious of Grasselli, who avoids being seen. She hides in the hall bathroom and recognizes him, realizing he worked for Chips. She decides to keep Chips's secret to protect Nora and Maggie.

Where

Hall bathroom, Nora's boarding house

Chips joins the boarders and performs an amateur show

Chips emerges from hiding and starts mingling with the other boarders—Miss Flint, Mr. Salmon, The Great Boldini, and Mr. Van Diver. He participates in the parlor and even helps stage an amateur show with Tommy and Sarah Jane. The boarding house begins to bend around his presence.

Where

Boarding house parlor

The plan to turn the boarding house into a nightclub

When Sarah Jane learns Nora and Maggie face eviction over unpaid taxes, she turns to Chips for help. He pays the back taxes and then proposes turning the boarding house into an exclusive nightclub to raise money. Tommy and Sarah Jane would showcase their talents as part of the venture.

Where

Boarding house

Miss Flint spots Chips's criminal image

Miss Flint sees Chips's photo in a crime magazine, drawing concern. Sarah Jane warns her that Chips could harm her if she reveals anything. Miss Flint contemplates exposure, creating tension as plans for the nightclub move forward.

Where

Boarding house parlor

Opening night and the police encounter

On opening night, Sarah Jane drinks too much champagne and is frightened by Chips's taunts. She goes to the police station seeking help, and two detectives spot Chips in the nightclub but let the show go on. The police presence intensifies the risk for the lovers.

Where

Boarding house nightclub

Tommy spots the cops and longs for escape

Tommy spots the cops watching and goes to the roof to be alone with his fear and his feelings for Sarah Jane. She joins him and he finally admits he loves her; she urges him to run. Instead, the couple faces the danger together as Chips' plan continues to unfold.

Where

Roof of the boarding house

Chips makes a decisive choice

Chips decides to confess to the murder, choosing to take the blame to give Tommy and Sarah Jane a clean start. His revelation could incriminate him more than Tommy, but it clears the way for the young lovers. The confession marks a self sacrificing move that reshapes everyone's fate.

Resolution and new beginnings

With Chips taking the fall, Tommy and Sarah Jane can pursue a future together. Nora and Maggie face their money troubles with mixed relief and resolve. The story closes on a note of renewed hope for the couple.

Where

Boarding house