3.09.2011

casablanca


the year: 1942

the genre: drama


the cast: Humphrey Bogart (Rick Blaine); Ingrid Bergman (Ilsa Lund); Paul Henreid (Victor Lazlo); Claude Rains (Captain Renault); Sydney Greenstreet (Signor Ferrari); Peter Lorre (Ugarte); S Z Sakall (Carl); Conrad Veidt (Major Srasser)


the plot: In World War II Casablanca, Rick Blaine, exiled American and former freedom fighter, runs the most popular nightspot in town. The cynical Blaine comes into the possession of two valuable letters of transit. When Nazi Major Strasser arrives in Casablanca, local police Captain Renault does what he can to please him, including detaining Czech underground leader Victor Laszlo. Much to Rick's surprise, Lazslo arrives with Ilsa, Rick's one time love. Ilsa knows Rick can help them get out of the country - but will he?


don't miss: Dooley Wilson as Sam (ironically, he was the only cast member to have actually visited the real city of Casablanca) and the famous song "As Time Goes By".




listen for: "What in heaven's name brought you to Casablanca?" "My health. I came to Casablanca for the waters." "The waters? What waters? We're in the desert." "I was misinformed."



did you know: In the 1980s, this film's script was sent to a number of major studios and production companies under its original title, "Everybody Comes to Rick's". Some recognized the script but most did not. Many complained that the script was "not good enough" to make a decent movie. Others gave such complaints as "too dated", "too much dialog" and "not enough sex".



don't listen for" "Play it again, Sam." That line was never spoken in the movie. Ilsa says "Play it, Sam. Play 'As Time Goes By"' and Rick says: "You played it for her, you can play it for me. Play it!".


also listen for: "I'm shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here!" "Your winnings, sir." "Oh, thank you very much."






This one's a classic, for sure. But I have to admit, one of the reasons I like it so much is that without it we wouldn't have this:

4 comments:

Erika said...

It was ranked 2nd on the List of Best Movies of All Time by some organization. #1 was Citizen Kane. I liked this one better. Isn't this where they "Round up the usual suspects"?

Aubree Legler said...

Hey! the other guy (not rick) in the second photo--isn't that the "doctor" on arsenic and old lace? or am i crazy....

Millie Motts said...

It is indeed. Peter Lorre also played Dr. Einstein in Arsenic and Old Lace.

Scott said...

Another little tid bit: The final line "Louie, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship" was not part of the original filming. It was dubbed in at the last minute before release.

Rick: Remember, this gun is pointed at your heart.
Rennault: That is my least vulnerable spot.