It Had to Be You (1947 film)
It Had to Be You is a 1947 American comedy film directed by Don Hartman and Rudolph Maté and starring Ginger Rogers and Cornel Wilde. The plot revolves around Victoria "Vicki" Stafford (Rogers), a wealthy and eccentric heiress who repeatedly jilts her fiancé, Judge William "Willie" Potter (Ron Randell), at the altar. On one such occasion, she faints and dreams of being swept away by a series of historical figures, portrayed by Cornel Wilde, representing her ideal man in different eras. These historical figures include a caveman, a Viking, a French musketeer, and a Western gunslinger.
The film explores Vicki's internal conflict between societal expectations and her own unconventional desires. She is torn between settling down with the dependable Willie and pursuing a more passionate, albeit unrealistic, romance. As her dreams become increasingly vivid, she begins to question her commitment to Willie and searches for what she truly wants in a relationship. The film utilizes dream sequences and comedic situations to highlight the absurdity of Vicki's romantic ideals and her struggle to find a balance between fantasy and reality.
The supporting cast includes Percy Waram, Spring Byington, and Thurston Hall. It Had to Be You is known for its imaginative dream sequences and Ginger Rogers' comedic performance. While not a major box office success, it remains a notable entry in the filmographies of Rogers and Wilde.