It Had to Be You

Victoria Stafford is a wealthy socialite who has been engaged three times and always backs out before the ceremony. This pattern establishes the stakes for her potential fourth fiancé and sets up the movie's central conflict. Her money and social status color how others pursue or challenge her.

On a train, Victoria meets George McKesson dressed as an Indian, the man she has been dreaming about. He claims he is a figment of her imagination and will disappear if she stops thinking about him. He follows her off the train and begins to sow confusion in her family and social circle.

George's unexpected appearance at the Stafford home triggers questions about his identity and the trust Victoria's family places in her. The incident foreshadows a looming scandal and heightens the tension around her forthcoming marriage. The family grows wary of the strange intruder who seems to be connected to Victoria's dream man.

Victoria is drawn to Johnny Blaine, a firefighter who is the real version of her childhood dream man, though he remains wary and independent. He insists on doing things his own way and is not easily swayed by her brash pursuit. The pair discovers surprising commonalities, including baseball, favorite foods, and a shared love for the movie's title song.

Concerned about social scandal, Victoria asks George to stay at home and entertain her father by playing cards. This arrangement keeps him out of the social spotlight while the wedding draws near. The dynamic underscores how the two men orbit Victoria's life and complicate her plans.

During a shopping trip, Victoria spots Johnny returning a negligee and, believing he is George, has him thrown out for stalking. The mistaken identity deepens the confusion between Johnny and Victoria. The incident marks a turning point in their growing but turbulent relationship.

While watching her father's home movies, Victoria recalls kissing Johnny when he was a boy in Indian costume. At George's urging, she tracks Johnny down to the fire station where he works. She boldly approaches him, beginning a tense but promising connection.

Johnny confesses that he also backed out three times at the altar, admitting that it never felt right. The two discover shared interests—baseball, food, and the title song—and his guardedness softens as he begins to see Victoria's perspective. They grow closer as trust forms between them.

Meanwhile, Victoria's fiancé Oliver Harrington has a tense conversation with George about the train incident. George provides Oliver with the conductor's number, prompting him to investigate. Oliver tracks the conductor down and ultimately calls off the wedding.

After several days together, Victoria convinces Johnny that they have subconsciously loved each other since childhood and are meant for each other. Johnny agrees to marry her but wants to speak with Victoria's father first. The bond between them deepens as they plan for a future together.

The family, fearing financial ruin, pushes for a quick wedding to secure Victoria's fortune and discusses marrying her off to avoid scandal. They underestimate Johnny's place in her life and the depth of their connection. The pressure sets the stage for a dramatic interruption.

Just as the ceremony is about to begin, George arrives at the wedding in an Indian costume, signaling trouble and attempting to derail the union. His appearance creates confusion and heightens the stakes for Victoria and Johnny.

George triggers a fire call by staging a crisis at the wedding, drawing Johnny and his crew to the Stafford home. The real fireman arrives to protect Victoria as conflict escalates. The wedding's fate hangs in the balance as chaos unfolds.

Johnny carries a willing Victoria out of the wedding on his shoulder and away toward the waiting firetruck. The rescue ends the ceremony and seals their union, with the camera lingering on Johnny's moccasins as they kiss aboard the speeding truck.