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.
Raft's casting was announced in September 1935. He was borrowed from Paramount.[1] The same month Roy Del Ruth was announced as director.[2] Leo Carillo was borrowed from Columbia. Constance Bennett was mentioned as a possible female lead.[3]
^Zanuck Negotiating for Exclusive Right to Services of Cesar Romero: Los Angeles Times 27 Sep 1935: 15.
^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.
^George Raft Will Become Gambler and Society Man in "The Duchess ": Los Angeles Times 16 Oct 1935: 15.
^Everett Aaker, The Films of George Raft, McFarland & Company, 2013 p 68-69
