It Had to Be You

This film opens with the funniest "Preston Sturges" sequence not written or directed by Preston Sturges (unless anyone knows otherwise?) It's a montage of lavish high society wedding ceremonies at which, over several years, Ginger Rogers jilts a series of different grooms at the altar, the comic tension and perspiration mounting as each of her "I do" moments approaches.

Sadly, after that, the Panama-Frank screenplay switches to the sub-genre of psychological or fantasy comedy, already attempted by Ginger in Lady in the Dark (1944). Here, she conjures up a physical incarnation of her ideal man, which turns out to be Cornel Wilde dressed as an (American) "Indian" complete with feathered headband - an erotic fantasy unlikely to be shared by many viewers. He's more irritating than amusing, especially as Wilde's idea of playing comedy is to wear a perpetual grin, and when he crashes through a window to reach Ginger he reminded me of Walter Pidgeon's Id monster in Forbidden Planet.

The much-delayed explanation for his appearance arrives with Ginger's viewing of an old home movie showing a childhood sweetheart who wore the same "Indian" costume. It certainly suggests arrested development in her character, supposedly aged 26, though Rogers herself was around 36 at the time. She then searches for the "real" adult embodiment of the boy in the home movie, who unfortunately is also played by Cornel Wilde (without so much grinning, so we can tell them apart). With the fictional and real Wilde running around like identical twins, more complications ensue and I wondered if it inspired Woody Allen in The Purple Rose of Cairo, especially given the movie-within-movie angle.

Life holds much promise as Victoria (Ginger Rogers) stands beautifully gowned in her wedding dress next to her chosen mate for the big moment of saying "I do." But to her dismay the words just never do come out and she runs off down the aisle leaving mayhem behind her. This disaster occurs three times, a year apart, in the end leaving her and everyone else exasperated.

Enter prospective groom No. 4 named Oliver and she's determined to see it through this time no matter what. However, Fate steps in with a most peculiar fantasy figure (of her imagination it seems) she names George (Cornel Wilde), who creates compromising situations in her life yet gradually points the way out for her bewilderment.

When she recalls an old sweetheart from childhood days, Johnny, who is now a fireman (also played by Cornel Wilde), she realizes he's the one for her but there are many tangled threads to set aright.

The beginning of the movie is amusing but picks up momentum as it progresses and becomes downright hilarious. I found it very funny where Victoria bursts out in confusion, "But I'm going to marry Oliver," (or words to that effect) as if trying to convince herself. It reminds me of that saying, "The heart has reasons that reason does not understand."

It's an enjoyable movie with a surprising twist to the ending. I too wish the video was available; was lucky to see it on tv.

Sweet comedy that can best be described as daffy. Ginger hadn't yet slipped into her grand lady mode and is a dizzy delight with an amazing wardrobe, the wedding dress with shimmering halo is something to behold! She's also at the peak of her personal beauty and looks stunning throughout, save one scene where she wears one of the ugliest hats ever.

Cornel Wilde was always an agile, agreeable comedian and matches well with Ginger, handling his dual role with aplomb.

Spring Byington and especially Percy Waram are delightful as the exasperated parents of the indecisive Miss Rogers.

A minor comedy but anyone who enjoyed The Major and the Minor will like this.

This was a great movie and was a lot of fun. Ginger Rogers was fantastic as usual and Cornel Wilde was a hunk!. I would like them to make this film available on video. I want to add it to my collection. If only the movie stations would play these classics more often!

Ginger Rogers stars as a pending bride who's noted for leaving her suitor(s) at the altar. But this time, she's sure of her decision...until a new suitor, literally, shows up in her dreams.

Although I don't believe something like this could REALLY happen, I was in the mood for something light and I ended up watching this. I've never been a big fan of the old movies, but I saw "Chicago" with Gere, Zellweger, and Zeta-Jones and then saw the film "Roxie Hart" (1927) with Ginger Rogers, and kind of liked the campy comedy that this film portrayed, so I keep an eye out for her on TCM and whenever I stumble across one of her films, I try and watch them. As I said, I don't believe the premise of the film could ever happen, but the way Ginger looks at Cornel Wilde is believable and, although it's probably with more infatuation than love, I know every guy wishes for a girl to look at him that way.

The story won't necessarily keep you enthralled, but your wondering how they're gonna get out of this predicament will! 8 out of 10 stars!