Play It Again, Sam Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A nerdy film critic gets dating advice from Humphrey Bogart, ends up in a love triangle, and then Casablanca happens…sort of.

🍿 Play It Again, Sam: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Allan’s Divorce and Bogart’s Influence

Allan Felix, a neurotic film critic obsessed with Casablanca, is devastated when his wife leaves him. He seeks guidance from an imaginary Humphrey Bogart, his idol, who advises him on how to be a suave and confident ladies’ man. Bogart’s advice, however, often leads to comedic and disastrous results as Allan tries to emulate the tough-guy persona.

Disastrous Dates and Linda’s Support

Allan’s friends, Dick and Linda Christie, attempt to help him re-enter the dating scene, setting him up on a series of hilariously unsuccessful blind dates. Linda, feeling neglected by her workaholic husband, finds herself spending more time with Allan, offering him genuine support and understanding. This creates a bond between them that begins to evolve beyond friendship.

Growing Feelings and Ethical Dilemmas

Allan begins to fall in love with Linda, leading to internal conflict and moral dilemmas, as she is his best friend’s wife. He grapples with his feelings, torn between his loyalty to Dick and his desire to be with Linda. Bogart’s influence continues, but Allan struggles to reconcile the fantasy with the reality of his situation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Allan Felix (Woody Allen): A neurotic film critic, obsessed with Casablanca and struggling with a recent divorce, seeks love with the help of an imaginary Humphrey Bogart.
• Linda Christie (Diane Keaton): Allan’s best friend’s wife, who is also neurotic and neglected by her husband, leading her to develop feelings for Allan.
• Dick Christie (Tony Roberts): Allan’s best friend and Linda’s workaholic husband, who is often oblivious to his wife’s emotional needs.
• Bogart (Jerry Lacy): Allan’s imaginary version of Humphrey Bogart, who gives him questionable advice on how to attract women.
• Nancy (Susan Anspach): Allan’s ex-wife who left him for a more exciting life, and whose image still haunts his thoughts and fantasies.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Allan: “That’s quite a lovely Jackson Pollock, isn’t it?” – Allan attempts to start a conversation with a woman at a museum, showcasing his intellectual and awkward approach to dating.
• Museum Girl: “It restates the negativeness of the universe. The hideous lonely emptiness of existence. Nothingness.” – The woman in the museum responds to Allan’s question with a hilariously bleak and existential interpretation of the artwork.
• Bogart: “You gotta be a mensch. Even when it’s a shirty situation, you gotta be a mensch.” – Bogart advises Allan to be a decent person, even in difficult circumstances, reflecting a more modern, ethical approach.
• Allan: ““Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon, and for the rest of your life.”” – Allan says it to Linda and Dick at the airport, recreating Casablanca iconic ending.
• Bogart: “Here’s looking at you, kid.” – Bogart says goodbye to Allan showing he’s gained some confidence.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $23,458,707
• Worldwide Gross: $23,467,839

💥 Play It Again, Sam Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved this film! I found myself laughing out loud at Woody Allen’s portrayal of Allan and his dating mishaps. Jerry Lacy as Bogart was spot-on, and the ‘Casablanca’ references were pure genius. I especially enjoyed the art gallery scene and the disastrous blind date—truly memorable moments. This movie made me feel like maybe even a neurotic film critic could find love, eventually!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Woody Allen comedies”
  • “Those who appreciate classic film references, especially Casablanca”
  • “Viewers interested in romantic comedies with a touch of neurosis”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suggestive themes”
  • “Some mature language”
  • “Brief scene with bar fight”

Professional Reviews

• Rollingstone.com: “Tony Roberts, known for Woody Allen films, shines in this movie where Allen seeks dating guidance from Humphrey Bogart. Its script is a comic whirlwind.
• Imdb.com: “Woody Allen and Diane Keaton share great chemistry, playing off each other with brilliance. Hilarious moments abound, especially when Allen awkwardly navigates the dating scene.
• Imdb.com: “The movie is an affectionate take-off on ‘Casablanca’. Allen’s patented neurotic character is funny, and his disastrous dates are just great.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the hilarious and awkward dating attempts of Woody Allen’s character.: Most people praised the chemistry between Woody Allen and Diane Keaton and the clever ‘Casablanca’ references.

Overall Consensus: A highly entertaining and funny film with great chemistry between the leads, offering a clever homage to ‘Casablanca.’

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Although Woody Allen wrote the screenplay based on his Broadway play, he did not direct the film. Herbert Ross directed it instead.”
• “This film marks the first collaboration between Woody Allen and Diane Keaton, leading to a long and successful partnership in cinema.”
• “The title is a play on a famous line from ‘Casablanca,’ though the actual line is ‘Play it, Sam,’ not ‘Play it again, Sam.'”

🖥️ How to Watch Play It Again, Sam?

Play It Again, Sam is available to rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Play It Again, Sam, you might like these similar films:

• Annie Hall (1977): Another classic Woody Allen film starring Allen and Keaton, exploring neurotic relationships and the complexities of love.
• Manhattan (1979): Another Woody Allen film in the same style, further exploring the themes of love and relationships.
• Casablanca (1942): This movie serves as inspiration for ‘Play It Again, Sam’ so that those who love the movie can appreciate it.

🛒 Play It Again, Sam Related Products

• Play It Again, Sam [Blu-ray]: High-definition viewing experience of this classic Woody Allen comedy. Relive the laughter with crystal-clear visuals and sound.
• Humphrey Bogart: The Essential Collection: A collection featuring Bogart’s most iconic films, including ‘Casablanca’. Dive into the world that inspired Allan Felix.
• Woody Allen: A Documentary: Explore the life and career of Woody Allen, from his early comedies to his later works. Gain insights into his unique storytelling style.
• Casablanca [Blu-ray]: Own a piece of cinema history with ‘Casablanca’ on Blu-ray. Immerse yourself in the timeless romance and drama that captivated audiences for generations.

🎧 Soundtrack

Play It Again, Sam features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Blues for Alan Felix” – performed by Oscar Peterson

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Play It Again Sam – Allan trying to talk to a girl

Ever feel super awkward trying to talk to someone you like? Check out this hilarious scene of Allan doing exactly that – you might just see a bit of yourself in his cringeworthy attempts!

Play It Again Sam Blind Date Scene

Want to see more of Woody Allen’s hilarious dating mishaps in Play It Again, Sam? This blind date scene is a must-watch – it’s longer than most clips and packed with awkward humor!

Does Anyone Say “Play It Again, Sam” In “Casablanca”? (1942)

Did you know that nobody actually says “Play it again, Sam” in Casablanca? This video explains the origin of the famous quote and its connection to Woody Allen’s film. It will blow your mind!

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