If the numerous nominations and accolades for “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” are any indication, audiences and critics alike still can’t resist Woody Allen’s neurotic charm. Back in 1972, WWD sat down with Allen, who was promoting “Play It Again, Sam,” the film version of his play in which the comedian portrays — can you believe it? — a neurotic and recently single nebbish who receives dating tips from the spirit of his hero, Humphrey Bogart. The movie also marked the first on-screen collaboration between Allen and Diane Keaton, whom Allen was dating at the time of the film’s release.
Dressed for his interview in a checked jacket, shirt, black slacks and scuffed saddle shoes, Allen gave WWD more than a few fabulous quotes.
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On his hair:
“Actually, my hair is unequivocally red. Autumnal, you might say.” (WWD noted that, “it was not certain whether [Allen] meant it was red like autumn leaves or deciduous: Woody’s hair is thinning.”)
On his diet:
“Now what can I tell you? Yes, I am very shy, but trusting, as my biography says. No, I don’t drink chocolate milk shakes the way I used to. Milk products will kill you! There was a time when I used to eat a sirloin, thick and juicy, and a gooey ice cream sundae every night. But I never got over 115 pounds.”
On New York:
“What do I think about New York? Well, I was born in Flatbush. That’s a nice neighborhood. They only have a limited number of killings. But Manhattan has a high type concentration of every phenomenon, including an acute sense of violence and an acute sense of humor.”
On being recognized:
“Walking down the street here does present a problem…but let’s face it, I’m not Ringo Starr! But I do try to avoid people — they all mean well, I know! They want to be nice! — so sometimes I wear a hat, or look down at the sidewalks, or go around with big girls who can protect me.”
At the end of the interview, Keaton, WWD wrote, “bounced into the room” and “popped a piece of Trident sugarless gum into Woody’s mouth,” which prompted Allen to ask our reporter, “Oh, by the way, don’t say in the story that we’re going together. Just say we ‘hang out’ together. Diane’s one of the girls who protects me!”