Things they never said
There’s a report today about a new book titled “They Never Said That” which collates many cases of famous sayings that were never actually said by the people to which they are attributed. For instance, the television series “Star Trek” never used the lines “Beam me up Scotty” or “It’s life Jim, but not as we know it.”
My favourite example of things they never said comes from the film “Casablanca” (my review here). This must be one of the most quoted movies in the history of cinema and the best-known line is “Play it again, Sam”. But in fact this line was never said. For the actual lines of dialogue, keep reading.
Ilsa: Play it once, Sam. For old times’ sake.
Sam: [lying] I don’t know what you mean, Miss Ilsa.
Ilsa: Play it, Sam. Play “As Time Goes By.”
Sam: [lying] Oh, I can’t remember it, Miss Ilsa. I’m a little rusty on it.
Ilsa: I’ll hum it for you. Da-dy-da-dy-da-dum, da-dy-da-dee-da-dum…
[Sam begins playing]
Ilsa: Sing it, Sam.
Sam: [singing] You must remember this / A kiss is still a kiss / A sigh is just a sigh / The fundamental things apply / As time goes by. / And when two lovers woo, / They still say, “I love you” / On that you can rely / No matter what the future brings-…
Rick: [rushing up] Sam, I thought I told you never to play-…
[Sees Ilsa. Sam closes the piano and rolls it away]