You Can't Have Everything Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Movie Overview: You Can't Have Everything
| Movie | You Can't Have Everything |
| Release Year | 1937 |
| Director | Norman Taurog |
| Genre | Comedy / Romance |
| Runtime | 100 minutes (1h 40m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is You Can't Have Everything (1937) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in You Can't Have Everything are led by Alice Faye . The supporting cast, including Al Ritz and Harry Ritz , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
You Can't Have Everything stands out as a strong entry in the Comedy genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Comedy narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, You Can't Have Everything has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: You Can't Have Everything
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1937, You Can't Have Everything is a Comedy, Romance film directed by Norman Taurog, written by Harry Tugend. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Alice Faye as Judith Poe Wells.
Ending Explained: You Can't Have Everything
You Can't Have Everything Ending Explained: Starving playwright Judith Wells meets playboy writer of musicals, George Macrae, over a plate of stolen spaghetti. Directed by Norman Taurog, this 1937 comedy film stars Alice Faye (Judith Poe Wells), alongside Al Ritz as Al Ritz, Harry Ritz as Harry Ritz, Jimmy Ritz as Jimmy Ritz. With a 6.5/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of You Can't Have Everything?
Starving playwright Judith Wells meets playboy writer of musicals, George Macrae, over a plate of stolen spaghetti. He persuades producer Sam Gordon to buy her ridiculous play "North Winds" just to improve his romantic chances, and even persuades her to sing in the sort of show she pretends to despise. But just when their romance is going well, Gordon's former flame Lulu reveals the ace up her sleeve...
Norman Taurog's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Alice Faye (Judith Poe Wells)'s journey. He persuades producer Sam Gordon to buy her ridiculous play "North Winds" just to improve his romantic chances, and even persuades her to sing in the sort of show she pretends to despise.
How Does Alice Faye (Judith Poe Wells)'s Story End?
- Alice Faye: Alice Faye's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Al Ritz (Al Ritz): Al Ritz's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Harry Ritz (Harry Ritz): Harry Ritz's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of You Can't Have Everything Mean?
You Can't Have Everything's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Alice Faye may feel rushed. Norman Taurog's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
You Can't Have Everything Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is You Can't Have Everything Based on a True Story?
No, You Can't Have Everything is a work of fiction. While the comedy, romance film directed by Norman Taurog and starring Alice Faye may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch You Can't Have Everything?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Alice Faye or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Where to Watch You Can't Have Everything Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime VideoYou Can't Have Everything Parents Guide & Age Rating
1937 AdvisoryWondering about You Can't Have Everything age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of You Can't Have Everything (1937) is 100 minutes (1h 40m). Directed by Norman Taurog, the film runs for 100 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, You Can't Have Everything is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1937 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is You Can't Have Everything worth watching?
You Can't Have Everything is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find You Can't Have Everything parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for You Can't Have Everything identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of You Can't Have Everything (1937)?
The runtime of You Can't Have Everything (1937) is 100 minutes (approximately 1h 40m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
