Play It Again, Sam (1972)
Friday, February 3rd, 2006
Directed by: Herbert Ross
Cast: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts, Jerry Lacy, and Jerry Lacy
Screenplay by: Woody Allen
Runtime: 85 min
Rating: PG
Trailer
Based on Woody Allen’s stage play of the same name, Play It Again, Sam is a slight departure from the episodic plot structures and shtick-heavy slapstick that Allen’s earlier films (Sleepers and Take the Money and Run) were known for. This time around the directorial duties fall on Herbert Ross (The Goodbye Girl, California Suite), whose style comes as a balance to the motifs and themes Allen continues to work on (with varying degrees of success) throughout his long career. Allen plays another version of himself (also named Allen) as a nebbish movie critic who spends his days fantasizing about films and regularly conjures up Humphrey Bogart as a noir-style Dr. Phil, doling out relationship advice that often forces Allen to emulate Bogart’s indifferent approach to dating women. All the major Woody Allen staples are littered throughout the film: the sharp satire (in this case the film industry and its exaggerated perception of its own self worth), witty one-liners and hilarious sight gags. Herbert Ross pulls the direction off with breezy execution, never overcompensating to heighten the comedy. Because the original text is based on a stage play, Ross and Allen open up the story to make it conform to the film medium: employing voice-over, San Francisco locations, imaginary hallucinations, and most importantly the final scene that pays homage to the original Casablanca ending (right down to the airplane hangar, lighting and fog/smoke) which would have been impossible on stage. Surprisingly, the film doesn’t feel dated considering it was filmed in the 70’s and ultimately works because it doesn’t rely solely on sitcom situations, instead it captures the pathos of rejection and the desire to be accepted. Lofty ambitions for a light comedy to be sure, and ultimately better represented in Allen’s later films (Annie Hall, Manhattan), but you have to admire its poignant charm. Play It Again, Sam is definitely worth checking out.
Richard X
© Cinephile Magazine, 2006
