Play it Again, Woody

Play it Again, Sam (1972)

Unusually Woody Allen writes and stars in this film along side Diane Keaton but does not direct the film based on his own play. The usual Allen character's wife leaves him and he goes on a series of dates set up by his best friend and his friend's wife.

If you have not seen Casablanca (1942) do not watch this film as it is heavily inspired by and spoils the plot of Casablanca. Although this film does not depart heavily from the majority of Woody Allen's films it is probably one of his best as it is both funny and the underpinning of a homage to Casablanca as well as Bogart in general hold the film together well. Despite the ending being lifted whole sale from another film it works surprisingly well and I think having Herbert Ross direct rather than Allen himself also really helps this film.

4/5 one of the best from Allen.