A survey published today revealed that over a third of Brits regularly claim to have seen a film they haven’t, with 24% naming Casablanca as their top film fib. Surprisingly, a staggering 74% of Brits have never been caught out in their cinematic deception.
The poll, which was carried out to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Casablanca, ahead of this weekend’s Academy Awards®, showed that over a third of men claim to have seen a film they haven’t whilst on a date, with 12% believing that boasting of their film knowledge helps them appear more ‘romantic’.
Women are more likely to deceive their friends, with 45% admitting to false film boasts when discussing the topic with peers.
In total, almost half of Brits will tell untruths about their film habits to impress someone, with a further 28% believing that it helps them to sound more interesting.
16-24 year olds top the poll as the biggest fibbers, with 50% admitting to the deception and 42% claiming it necessary to sound more cultured. 54% of those polled choose social events to profess their ‘porkies’, whilst over a third say they’ve seen a particular film in the work place to ‘fit in’, proving that some believe the road to success is finding a common ground.
The research reveals that Londoners are most likely to say they’ve seen a classic film they haven’t, with 35% desperate to impress friends with their film knowledge.
Northern Ireland are the most truthful film fans, with 75% feeling no pressure to lie about watching classics which also includes; Gone With the Wind, Dr Zhivago and The Exorcist.
Empire Magazine, comments "The poll reveals the important place film plays in cultural credibility. We feel we need to have seen the great films to be a credible member of society, and admitting not having seen the likes of Casablanca or Citizen Kane would make us look stupid or a bit crass.
"What amazes us at Empire, is how skilfully people have learned to pretend to have seen these films, wouldn't it just be easier to watch them? They are actually pretty good."
The survey was designed to highlight the top classic films Brits claim to have seen ahead of the anniversary and subsequent re-release of Casablanca this month.
Casablanca, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, and winner of three Academy Awards® including Best Picture (1944) - will celebrate its 70th Anniversary this year.
To mark the occasion, for a limited time in February and March, Casablanca will back on the big screen with a cinematic re-release New special content will be available when you download the film from iTunes from 27th March, and it is also available on Blu-ray and DVD now.