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.

---

Plot Keywords:

humphrey bogart | neurotic | advice | dating | ghost | 

---

Taglines:

Here's laughing at you, kid.

---

Genres:

Comedy | Romance

---

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

This color movie opens in black-and-white with the final scenes from of Casablanca featuring Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart.

---

Goofs

In his struggle with the hair-dryer in the bathroom, Allan knocks out half the contents of the medicine cabinet. In the next shot, the bottles he knocked out are back in the cabinet.

---

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.

---

Connections

References The Maltese Falcon (1941)

---

Soundtracks

"Casablanca"
Incidental music by Max Steiner

User Reviews

Riotous

Easily my favorite movie with Woody that he did not direct, 'Play it Again, Sam' is a hysterically funny homage to Bogart, divorce, adultery, dating, an overactive imagination, meeting women in museums, and calling your office with all the telephone numbers you can be reached at..this is some great stuff and Woody's social awkwardness and pratfalls and neuroses will have you laughing throughout.

One of my favorite scenes is Woody trying to meet an attractive woman at a museum. She turns out to be a little more unhappy than he is but is also very funny in her darkness.

The very best is Woody getting set up on a blind date with Jennifer Salt. His nervousness will stay in your mind long after the movie is over.