It Had to Happen is a 1936 American drama film starring George Raft and Rosalind Russell. The movie was written by Kathryn Scola, and Howard Ellis Smith, and directed by Roy Del Ruth. It is based on the 1909 short story "Canavan, the Man Who Had His Way" by Rupert Hughes.
Plot An Italian, Enrico Scaffa, emigrates to America where he has a run-in with Beatrice, the elegant wife of a wealthy banker. Enrico gets a job working for a politician and works his way up to be a power in the city. Despite romancing his secretary Miss Sullivan, he crosses with Beatrice again and pursues her.
Cast George Raft as Enrico Scaffa Rosalind Russell as Beatrice Nunes Leo Carrillo as Giuseppe Arline Judge as Miss Sullivan Alan Dinehart as Rodman Dreke Arthur Hohl as John Pelkey
Production Raft's casting was announced in September 1935. He was borrowed from Paramount.SCREEN NOTES. New York Times ]25 Sep 1935: 18. The same month Roy Del Ruth was announced as director.Zanuck Negotiating for Exclusive Right to Services of Cesar Romero: Los Angeles Times 27 Sep 1935: 15. Leo Carillo was borrowed from Columbia. Constance Bennett was mentioned as a possible female lead.Anna Sten, Leslie Howard and Dr. Frenke Plan to Produce Own Picture: Memorable Story to Serve Noted Players Constance Bennett May Team With Raft in "It Had to Happen;" Los Angeles Times 19 Oct 1935: A13.
Filming started November 1935.George Raft Will Become Gambler and Society Man in "The Duchess ": Los Angeles Times 16 Oct 1935: 15.
Reception The film was a box office hit.Everett Aaker, The Films of George Raft, McFarland & Company, 2013 p 68-69
It was one of several films Raft made for Daryl F. Zanuck.
References
External links
It Had to Happen at Letterbox DVD Review of film at Variety