(1940)
3
Craig Butler
It All Came True is a frothy little gangster film -- and yes, there is such a thing. It's not exactly a gangster comedy, as it's a bit too light and airy for that without being actually funny enough. Certainly, the combination is a bit odd and doesn't always work; the murder angle is too heavy for such a silly piece, and the gangster's conversion (both in terms of his desire to turn the boarding house into an entertainment venue and to abruptly decide to drop his frame-up of an innocent man and face a murder conviction) simply can't be believed. But if one can view these as the contrivances they are and just accept them, one is apt to be pleasantly entertained. It definitely helps that the gangster/impresario is being played by the inimitable Humphrey Bogart, who must have rolled his eyes at this set-up but plays it with all the determination and gusto required, and makes it work beautifully. And it also helps that Ann Sheridan is around to look beautiful, crack wise as needed and deliver a few songs in her soothing little voice. Throw in able support from Zasu Pitts, Felix Bressart, Una O'Connor and others, and the result is an agreeable way to wile away a bit of time.
It All Came True on AllMovie
It All Came True (1940)
