Play It Again, Sam (1972)

A neurotic film critic tries to get over his wife leaving him by dating again, much by the help of a married couple and his alter ego, Humphrey Bogart.

Director:

Herbert Ross

Writers:

Woody Allen (based on the play by), Woody Allen (screenplay)

Stars:

Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts

1 win.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Woody Allen	...	Allan
Diane Keaton	...	Linda
Tony Roberts	...	Dick
Jerry Lacy	...	Bogart
Susan Anspach	...	Nancy
Jennifer Salt	...	Sharon
Joy Bang	...	Julie
Viva	...	Jennifer
Susanne Zenor	...	Discotheque Girl (as Suzanne Zenor)
Diana Davila	...	Museum Girl
Mari Fletcher	...	Fantasy Sharon
Michael Greene	...	Hood #1
Ted Markland	...	Hood #2

Storyline

A mild mannered film critic is dumped by his wife and his ego is crushed. His hero persona is the tough guy played by Humphrey Bogart in many of his movies and the apparition of Bogart begins showing up to give him advice. With the encouragement of his two married friends, he actually tries dating again, with less than satisfactory results, until he relaxes.

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Plot Keywords:

humphrey bogart | neurotic | advice | dating | ghost | 

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Taglines:

If you're going to take advice - take it from the best.

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

4 May 1972 (USA)

Also Known As:

Aspirins for Three

Filming Locations:

San Francisco, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures, Rollins-Joffe Productions, APJAC Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Herbert Ross:  behind Allan and Linda as the cable car heads up the hill.

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Goofs

The phone in Dick and Linda's bedroom changes between scenes from a standard set to a "Princess" set.

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Quotes

[first lines]
[clip from 'Casablanca']
Airport guard: Hello, radio tower, Lisbon plane taking off in ten minutes, east runway. Thank you.
Richard 'Rick' Blaine: Louis, have your man go with Mr. Lazlo and take care of his luggage.
Captain Renault: Certainly, Rick, anything you say. Find Mr. Lazlo's luggage and put it on the plane.
Airport guard: Yes, sir. This way please.

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Connections

References The Maltese Falcon (1941)

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Soundtracks

"Blues for Alan Felix"
Composed and Performed by Oscar Peterson

User Reviews

Very good Woody Allen film

Allen plays a film critic who has been cruelly dumped by his wife. Je wants to meet other women but is very neurotic (no surprise there). He idolizes Humphrey Bogart who shows up from time to time to give him advice on dealing with woman. His best friends--couple Diane Keaton and Tony Roberts--try to help also. Naturally he ends up falling for Keaton.

Allen didn't direct this (Herbert Ross did) but he wrote it. So it sounds like a Woody Allen film but doesn't LOOK like an Allen film. For one thing it was shot in San Francisco--not New York! It's also somewhat dated in 1970s dialogue and fashion. There's also a running joke involving Roberts and telephones that doesn't work today. Still this is a very good film.

It is an affectionate take-off on "Casablanca" and other old films also. Allen is playing has patented neurotic character but I've always found him funny and his disastrous dates are just great. Also him, Keaton and Roberts always worked well together and it makes their relationship seem very believable. And Jerry Lacy is VERY funny playing Bogart and giving Allen advice.

If you don't like Woody Allen movies this probably won't change your mind. But I found it fast, funny and very entertaining. And the dated 70s touches were actually quite funny. I give this a 8.