Image: Play It Again, Sam (film)
Play It Again, Sam is more than just a 1972 American comedy film. It is a timeless classic that continues to charm audiences with its wit, humor, and romantic undertones. Directed by Herbert Ross and written by Woody Allen, this film is a delightful adaptation of Allen's own Broadway play of the same name.
An Unlikely Love Story
The film revolves around Allan Felix, a recently divorced film critic who finds solace in the 1942 classic, Casablanca. As Allan navigates the unpredictable world of dating, he seeks guidance from the suave and charismatic character of Rick Blaine, played by Humphrey Bogart. To his surprise, Bogart himself appears as a wisecracking ghost, offering Allan advice on how to handle women.
A San Francisco Adventure
Set in the beautiful city of San Francisco, Play It Again, Sam takes us on a journey through Allan's love life and his attempts to emulate the charm of his idol, Bogart. With flashbacks of his ex-wife haunting him and a series of disastrous blind dates, Allan's quest for love is far from smooth sailing. However, everything changes when he meets Linda, his best friend's wife, and begins to develop genuine feelings for her.
Image: Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca
A Reflection of Love and Relationships
Through its clever blend of comedy and romance, Play It Again, Sam explores the intricacies of love, self-acceptance, and the masks we wear to impress others. As Allan learns to be himself and follow his heart, he faces numerous obstacles, including the return of his ex-wife and a conflicted best friend. In the end, love triumphs, leaving us with a bittersweet yet unforgettable conclusion.
A Stellar Cast
The film features a talented cast, led by Woody Allen as Allan Felix, a neurotic writer searching for love. Diane Keaton shines as Linda Christie, Allan's love interest, while Tony Roberts delivers a compelling performance as Dick Christie, Allan's best friend. Notably, Jerry Lacy portrays Humphrey Bogart with charm and charisma, capturing the essence of the iconic actor.
Critics' Acclaim
Play It Again, Sam received critical acclaim upon its release. With a 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film delighted audiences and critics alike. Roger Ebert praised the film for its comedic brilliance, noting that it is "a very funny one." Meanwhile, Gene Siskel hailed it as a warm and unconventional story that provides both laughter and sanity.
An Enduring Legacy
The influence of Play It Again, Sam can be seen in various forms of popular culture. Quentin Tarantino drew inspiration from the film for his character Elvis Presley in True Romance, while the song "Beautiful and Light" by Tunng incorporates samples from this comedic gem. Additionally, the comedy troupe The Second City paid homage to the film in their hilarious parody, Play It Again, Bob.
Play It Again, Sam is a true cinematic treasure that continues to captivate audiences with its timeless humor and heartfelt storytelling. With its memorable characters, witty dialogue, and a touch of nostalgia, this film is a must-watch for lovers of romantic comedies and fans of Woody Allen's unique style.
References
[1] Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/play_it_again_sam [2] Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/play-it-again-sam-1972 [3] Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune: https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1972-06-23-7602080510-story.html [4] Vincent Canby, The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/1972/06/21/archives/play-it-again-sam-1972-women-and-bogie.html [5] Charles Champlin, Los Angeles Times: https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1972-06-18-ca-6991-story.html [6] David McGillivray, The Monthly Film Bulletin: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069097/externalreviews
See also
- List of American films of 1972
