It Happened Tomorrow

It Happened Tomorrow

Year: 1944

Runtime: 85 mins

Language: English

Director: René Clair

FantasyComedyRelationship comedyCharming romances and delightful chemistryLaugh-out-loud relationship entanglements

A turn‑of‑the‑century newspaper reporter discovers he can obtain tomorrow’s edition before anyone else, using the future headlines to his advantage. His newfound edge quickly spirals into trouble, especially when he learns his new girlfriend is part of a fraudulent clairvoyant scheme, turning his ambitions into chaos.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – It Happened Tomorrow (1944)

Explore the full timeline and setting of It Happened Tomorrow (1944). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1940s

The film unfolds primarily in the 1940s, a period of classic studio comedies and wartime morale, with a notable flashback to the 1890s. Fate and possibility hinge on tomorrow’s newspaper, shaping the choices of the principal characters. The present-day adventures lead to marriage, high-stakes gambling, and rapid reversals of fortune.

Location

Newspaper newsroom, Boarding house, The racetrack, Hotel lobby, Theater

The story moves through a 1940s city’s pulse—starting in a bustling newspaper office, then to Sylvia’s boarding house, the lively racetrack, and a grand hotel lobby where suspense peaks. Key scenes revolve around a theater box office robbery, linking journalism, romance, and crime across multiple urban settings.

🗞️ Newsroom 🏠 Boarding house 🏟️ Racetrack 🏨 Hotel lobby 🎭 Theater

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:25

Main Characters – It Happened Tomorrow (1944)

Meet the key characters of It Happened Tomorrow (1944), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lawrence 'Larry' Stevens (Dick Powell)

An obituary writer who is unhappy with his job, Larry longs for excitement and romance. He becomes entangled with tomorrow’s newspaper after meeting Sylvia and receives foreknowledge that drives a string of bold, impulsive moves. His wit and resourcefulness push him through a whirlwind of adventures, including a high-stakes racetrack spree and a dramatic chase through the city's streets.

🎭 Romantic 🕰️ Time-aware 🗺️ Plucky

Sylvia Smith-Stevens (Linda Darnell)

A performer in the 'Great Sigolini' mind-reading act and Lawrence’s love interest, Sylvia is both savvy and supportive. She navigates the chaotic events with grace, ultimately marrying Lawrence in a rush born of urgency and devotion. Her presence anchors the romance and provides emotional balance to the film’s zany complications.

💖 Romance 🎭 Performer 🕊️ Loyal

Pop Benson (John Philliber)

An elderly newspaper man who hands Lawrence tomorrow’s evening paper, acting as the catalyst for the entire plot. Pop’s mysterious role and the information he unknowingly imparts set the fate-driven chain of events in motion. He dies before the culmination, leaving a bittersweet imprint on the story.

🗞️ Mentor 🕰️ Foreshadowing 🧭 Enigmatic

Uncle Oscar Smith (Jack Oakie)

Sylvia’s wary and protective uncle, who pushes for a quick marriage and tries to shield his niece from harm. His instincts to secure a respectable match for Sylvia drive some of the film’s tension and misinterpretations, making him a foil to Lawrence’s romantic bravado.

👨‍👧‍👦 Protective 🛡️ Protective 🎭 Comedic foil

Insp. Mulrooney (Edgar Kennedy)

The diligent police inspector who suspects Lawrence after the newspaper prints a foreseen crime. His relentless pursuit adds a layer of comic suspense and legal pressure, pushing Lawrence to outsmart both fate and the law.

👮‍♂️ Authority 🕵️‍♂️ Comedic foil 🧭 Investigative

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:25

Major Themes – It Happened Tomorrow (1944)

Explore the central themes of It Happened Tomorrow (1944), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⏳ Fate

The plot pivots on a newspaper that seemingly predicts events, forcing characters to confront whether their lives are steered by fate or by their own choices. Knowledge of tomorrow twists decisions, creating irony and suspense as actions ripple outward. Time itself becomes a central device that tests loyalty, risk, and resilience.

💘 Romance

Lawrence and Sylvia’s relationship grows against a backdrop of unusual circumstances, with love propelling them to wed on a fast track after learning about impending death. Their bond endures despite social pressures and chaotic events, providing warmth amid the comedy. The romance anchors the film’s emotional core and motivates brave if impulsive choices.

💰 Chance

Gambling and sudden fortune drive much of the plot, as Lawrence bets on winner after winner at the racetrack, amassing a substantial sum. The win is squandered and stolen, setting off a chase that blends physical stunts with comic misfortune. The story probes how luck can elevate or unravel lives in a single night.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:25

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It Happened Tomorrow Summary

Read a complete plot summary of It Happened Tomorrow, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

It Happened Tomorrow Summary

It Happened Tomorrow Timeline

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It Happened Tomorrow Timeline

More About It Happened Tomorrow

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