It All Came True

It All Came True, released in 1940, is an intriguing cinematic amalgamation of gangster cinema, light comedy, and heart-warming romantic drama. This film, directed by Lewis Seiler and featuring a lineup of silver-screen royalty – Humphrey Bogart, Ann Sheridan, and Jeffrey Lynn - unfolds a narrative that is sure to capture the imagination of audiences, taking them on an emotional rollercoaster ride full of tension, laughter, and sentiment.

In the spotlight of this multi-genre movie is Humphrey Bogart who departs from his usual hard-boiled roles and portrays an ambiguous character of 'Chips' Maguire, a gangster on the run after committing a daring killing. With the police hot on his heels, he takes refuge in a boarding house owned by a kind-hearted mother of an aspiring songwriter, portrayed by Jeffrey Lynn. The boarding house is also home to an assorted roster of eccentric boarders, and Sarah Jane Ryan (Ann Sheridan), a beautiful dancer who is a childhood friend of Maguire’s and now romantically involved with the songwriter. The sudden intrusion of a hardened criminal into the lives of these innocent inhabitants sets the stage for intriguing encounters and twists that gradually reveal unexpected sides to all the characters.

The chemistry between Ann Sheridan and Jeffrey Lynn, as the romantic couple, adds warmth and charm to the narrative. Sheridan, who was dubbed the "Oomph Girl" of Hollywood, exemplifies her glamourous persona while delivering a notable performance as a self-sacrificing woman looking for an escape from the boarding house life. Jeffrey Lynn, as the hopeful songwriter, captures the struggles and aspirations of a young artist yearning for a big break.

In a fascinating way, the story explores the dynamic of a hardened criminal forced to cohabitate with everyday, harmless folks. As Bogart's 'Chips' Maguire is thrown into the gentle environment of innocents and dreamers, he becomes an unexpected catalyst to the dreams and aspirations of the boarding house inhabitants. The well-crafted script ensures that the blend of lighter sequences with the plot’s tense undertones keeps the audience captivated every step of the way.

It All Came True also introduces elements of musical performances, with Sheridan showcasing her singing and dancing talents. The scenes involving improvised musical performances lend a distinctive flavor to the film, making it more than just another gangster picture. The music by Heinz Roemheld not only enhances the emotional depth of the narrative but also provides classic melodies that capture the spirit of the era.

The film's cinematography by Sid Hickox does a great job at balancing the different genre elements. The camera work subtly shifts between the lighter, more vibrant tones of the romantic and musical sequences, and the darker, more ominous tones representing the threatening presence of the gangster world.

What excels in It All Came True is not just the star-studded cast but the sheer unpredictability of its narrative. As the title suggests, dreams play a significant role in the narrative, and the movie masterfully ponders how even in the middle of dire circumstances, the heart continues to hope and dream. Director Lewis Seiler has meticulously crafted a film that catches audiences off-guard as it seamlessly transitions between genres. The film strikes a perfect equilibrium between drama, comedy, romance, and crime, never allowing one element to completely overshadow the others.

To sum up, It All Came True is a captivating watch that showcases the versatility of Hollywood's Golden Age, exemplifying how a movie can transcend the limitations of genre to tell a refreshingly unique and engaging story. The stellar performances of Humphrey Bogart, Ann Sheridan, and Jeffrey Lynn, amidst a well-balanced mix of tension, romance, humor, and music, make this movie an entertaining classic worth watching.