The Answer:
In the 1942 film classic Casablanca,
Richard "Rick" Blaine (Humphrey
Bogart's character) never says "Play it again, Sam."
In fact, nobody does.
There are two exchanges that come close. The first takes place
between Ilsa Lund Laszlo (Ingrid
Bergman) and Sam (Dooley Wilson).
Ilsa Lund: Play it once, Sam. For old
times' sake.
Sam: [lying] I don't know what you
mean, Miss Elsa.
Ilsa Lund: Play it, Sam. Play "As
Time Goes By."
Sam: [lying] Oh, I can't remember it,
Miss Elsa. I'm a little rusty on it.
The second takes place between Rick and Sam.
Rick: You played it for her, you can
play it for me!
Sam: [lying] Well, I don't think I
can remember...
Rick: If she can stand it, I can!
Play it!
It's been reported that "play it again, Sam" originated in the
1946 Marx Brothers film A Night in Casablanca,
but we can't confirm that, not having seen the film ourselves.
For more movie history and information check out the Movie channel at
infoplease.com.
—The Editors
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