It Should Happen to You (Columbia 1954, Judy Holliday, Jack Lemmon)

One of the best of the tragically few Judy Holliday comedies, and one of her best performances. As aspiring actress Gladys Glover, Holliday puts her own name in lights by plastering it on a New York billboard. George Cukor directs Garson Kanin’s script with characteristic light touch. Jack Lemmon’s screen debut.

Cukor explored a few unconventional techniques in It Should Happen to You; the film uses 16mm and handheld camera filmmaking, and Cukor looks at the new world of live television broadcasting in other scenes.

Academy Award Nomination for Best (Black-and-White) Costume Design.

production details
USA / Columbia / 88 minutes / 1954-01-18

Director: George Cukor
Producer: Fred Kohlmar
Cinematography: Charles Lang Jr.
Editor: Charles Nelson
Music: Frederick Hollander
Script: Garson Kanin
Art Direction: John Meehan

cast
Judy Holliday as Gladys Glover
Jack Lemmon as Pete Sheppard
Connie Gilchrist as Mrs. Riker
Michael O’Shea as Brod Clinton
Wendy Barrie as Guest Panelist
Whit Bissell as Robert Grau
Vaughn Taylor as Entrikin
Melville Cooper as Guest Panelist
Constance Bennett as Guest Panelist
Peter Lawford as Evan Adams III
Walter Klavun as Bert Piazza
Ilka Chase as Guest Panelist
Heywood Hale Broun as Sour Man in Central Park
Chris Alcaide as Air Force Man at Ceremony (uncredited)
George Becwar as Board Member (uncredited)
Jack Kruschen as Joe (uncredited)
Hank Mann as Bar Patron (uncredited)
Robert Berger as Board Member (uncredited)
Leo Curley as Board Member (uncredited)
Tom Hennesy as Board Member (uncredited)
Stan Malotte as Board Member (uncredited)
Sam Harris as Nightclub Dancer (uncredited)
Ralph Dumke as Beckhard (uncredited)
Chick Chandler as TV Engineer in Booth (uncredited)
Mary Young as Elderly Customer at Macy’s (uncredited)
Marjorie Woodworth as Blonde at Macy’s (uncredited)
Margaret McWade as Elderly Lady at Macy’s (uncredited)
Forbes Murray as Military Publicity Function Attendee (uncredited)
Leonard Bremen as Allie (uncredited)
Mike Donovan as Bar Patron Watching TV (uncredited)
Rex Evans as Con Cooley (uncredited)
Almeda Fowler as (uncredited)
Art Gilmore as Don Toddman (uncredited)
Kit Guard as New Room 7 Tenant (uncredited)
Kenner G. Kemp as Nightclub Dancer (uncredited)
James Hyland as Bartender (uncredited)
Harold J. Kennedy as Photographer (uncredited)
Patrick Miller as Photographer (uncredited)
Mort Mills as Photographer (uncredited)
Roger Pace as Photographer (uncredited)