What is the phrase "Play it again, Sam" from? Discover the Real Story

The Origin of "Play it again, Sam"

Well, if you've ever heard the phrase "Play it again, Sam", you probably think of it as one of the most famous lines in film history. It’s quoted so often, sometimes we forget that it’s not even exactly what’s said in the movie it’s linked to. Honestly, I had the same misconception for years. I always thought it was from Casablanca, and to be fair, that's where a lot of people have heard it.

But here’s the thing: the line doesn’t actually appear in Casablanca the way most people remember it. In fact, the real quote is "Play it, Sam. Play As Time Goes By". So, where did this popular misquote come from? Let’s dive in and explore this.

Casablanca: The Real Line and Its Impact

The Context in Casablanca

So, let’s rewind to 1942, when the film Casablanca was released. It's one of the most iconic films in Hollywood history, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. The movie is set during World War II and revolves around a romantic yet politically charged story.

In the movie, the character Ilsa (played by Ingrid Bergman) asks the piano player, Sam (played by Dooley Wilson), to play the song "As Time Goes By", which was significant to her relationship with Rick (played by Humphrey Bogart). But she never actually says, “Play it again, Sam.” Instead, it’s more of a request, “Play it, Sam. Play As Time Goes By.”

Why the Misquote?

Honestly, I was surprised when I learned this, but it turns out the misquote likely comes from how the scene has been remembered over the years, coupled with parodies and cultural references. "Play it again, Sam" became a shorthand for the nostalgia and longing portrayed in that scene. This catchy phrase stuck in the minds of moviegoers and became associated with the movie, even though it never appeared in its exact form.

The Power of Misquotes in Pop Culture

Misquotes That Become Iconic

The thing is, this is not the only famous misquote in pop culture. "Luke, I am your father" from Star Wars? Doesn’t exactly appear like that in the movie either. Misquotes happen when a line or moment becomes so iconic that it takes on a life of its own, becoming more famous than the original.

What’s fascinating is that "Play it again, Sam" has come to represent the feeling of longing and melancholy from the film, even though it wasn’t said verbatim. I was chatting with a friend recently, and he mentioned how he thought the line was actually part of a parody from a later comedy. It’s funny how things can shift in popular memory!

Cultural References and Parodies

The misquote has been repeated in countless parodies over the decades, especially in comedies and sketches, further solidifying its place in the cultural lexicon. From Woody Allen's film "Play It Again, Sam" (1972), which directly took the misquote as its title, to other pop culture references, this line became shorthand for romantic nostalgia and the classic style of Casablanca, even though it was never actually spoken.

What Does "Play it Again, Sam" Represent?

The Emotional Weight Behind the Line

Now that we’ve cleared up the misconception, let's think about what "Play it again, Sam" really represents. The phrase has become iconic because it encapsulates the feeling of yearning and emotional complexity. When Ilsa asks Sam to play "As Time Goes By", she is asking for a reminder of better times, of her love for Rick, and of her complicated relationship with him. The line, though never spoken, has come to symbolize that deep sense of nostalgia and unfulfilled longing.

I remember watching Casablanca for the first time and feeling that sense of nostalgia wash over me as Sam plays the song. Even though "Play it again, Sam" wasn’t the line, the essence of it captured the whole mood of the movie. Sometimes, it's the misquote that sticks with us the most!

The Lasting Impact of the Phrase in Popular Culture

Why It Endures

What makes "Play it again, Sam" so enduring? I think it’s because of how the phrase has been woven into the fabric of pop culture. It’s a perfect example of how a simple misquote can take on a life of its own, growing beyond its original context and taking on new meanings.

It’s also a testament to how powerful the emotion in movies like Casablanca can be, transcending the actual words spoken. You don’t need the exact line for people to connect with the feelings of love, loss, and memory that the film evokes.

Conclusion: The Misquote That Lives On

So, in the end, the famous line "Play it again, Sam" is a classic misquote that has come to symbolize more than just a moment from a film. It represents nostalgia, love, and longing, and has become a part of our collective memory. While it may never have been said exactly that way in Casablanca, it’s clear that the line has lived on because it encapsulates so much of what makes the film so beloved.

Honestly, I think the power of this misquote is a great example of how culture evolves. Something as simple as a wrong quote can capture the essence of a moment and stick with us for generations.

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How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

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Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

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Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.