It All Happens At Ricks Cafe 

Since it screened at the theater in 1943, the story of lovers Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) and Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) in Casablanca has made cinematic history. The World War II drama about Europeans fleeing the invading German forces was far more than a film about politics. This timeless love story is one of the best-loved films of all time.

"Casablanca" © A. M. P. A. S.

 

THE SET UP

Rick Blaine is a former gunner runner with a price on his head who has been exiled from several countries, including his homeland of America. He now runs Rick's Café American in Casablanca, a Moroccan town that provides safe passageway to people fleeing from one county to another. Life at Rick's is a fun diversion from reality, where those allowed by Rick, gamble, enjoy a drink with friends and relish in the songs and piano playing of Rick's friend and colleague, Sam (Dooley Wilson).

While Casablanca's Chief of Police, Captain Renault (Claude Rains), is a frequent visitor to Rick's and enjoys some extra favors not afforded to other patrons, his determination to remain politically neutral often gets tested.

Such is the case when the Czech underground leader Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid) shows up with Nazi Major Strasser (Conrad Veidt)right on his heels. The major is already partially to blame for the death of Ugarte (Peter Lorre), a local and the only man outside Captain Renault who can get people a visa to leave Casablanca. Ugarte's two letters of transit, intended for Laszlo and his wife, were entrusted for safe keeping with Rick before Ugarte was murdered.

ABOUT THE MOVIE

Paul Henreid, Ingrid Bergman & Humphrey Bogart in "Casablanca" © Turner Entertainment/Warner Home Video

When Laszlo arrives with Ilsa in tow and Sam starts playing her and Rick's song, "As Time Goes By," Rick black flashes to Paris where he and Ilsa met, fell in love and were planning to board a train out of the country. As Rick waited for her, Sam delivered a letter saying that she would not be coming or see him ever again.

Rick is bitter at Ilsa; her desertion has obviously turned him into a cynical man, and he refuses to listen to any of her excuses. Especially when she announces that Laszlo is her husband. She tries to remind him of the day when they planned to leave together. He mutters, "I remember. The Germans wore grey, you wore blue."

With the Gestapo breathing down his neck, Laszlo knows he must get out of Casablanca and begs Rick to sell him the letters of transit. He refuses and when asked why not, tells Laszlo to ask his wife. That night Ilsa sneaks out after dark and tells Rick she still loves him, and that the two of them should use the letters and leave Casablanca together.

Rick fully intends to follow that plan; until the next evening when circumstances change.

PERFORMANCES

Casablanca could have been an ordinary love story if not for the excellent cast. Humphrey Bogart (Bullets or Ballots, The Maltese Falcon) had already made 40 movies so had sharpened his acting chops in all genres. Bogart instills Rick with an entire character arc that ranges from loving and cynical to humble. Claude Rains ( Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, Kings Row) is excellent as the chatty and amusing Captain who although he remains politically neutral, has his own take on who gets what. His sense of humor shows up in his demeanor and his lines, such as, "The problems of three little people don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world."

Dooley Wilson & Humphrey Bogart in "Casablanca" © Turner Entertainment/Warner Home Video

The beautiful Ingrid Bergman (The Bell's of Saint Mary's) was a natural beauty with a sexy voice that made easy work of her role. Other delightful actors filling quirky roles include Dooley Wilson (Sam), Madeleine LeBeau (Yvonne), S.Z. Sakall (Carl) and Sasha (Leonid Kinskey). Of course none of these actors could have delivered exceptional performances without a great story and wonderful dialog lines, such as - "Here's looking at you, kid" - by screenwriters Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, and Howard Koch from the play "Everybody Comes to Rick's" by Murray Burnet and Joan Alison.

ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATIONS

Up against the competition of Heaven Can Wait, The Song of Bernadete and others, Casablanca won three Oscars; Best Picture - Hal B. Wallis, Best Director - Michael Curtiz and Best Writing, Screenplay - Julius J. Epstein/Philip G. Epstein/Howard Koch. The film also received nominations for Best Actor in a Leading Role - Humphrey Bogart, Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Claude Rains, Best Cinematography, Black-and-White - Arthur Edeson, Best Film Editing - Owen Marks and Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture - Max Steiner.

All of these awards were worthy of the film. Michael Curtiz (White Christmas), Yankee Doodle Dandy), did an awesome job in directing a complicated story with a all star cast. Bogart lost the Oscar to Paul Lucas for Watch on the Rhine, quite amusing now since few people have ever heard of that movie. Charles Coburn in The More the Merrier beat out Claude Rains for the Best Supporting Actor award.

Director: Michael Curtiz

Writers: Joan Alison & Murray Burnett - play,  Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein & Howard Koch - screenplay

Cast Members: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Dooley Wilson, Claude Rains, Madeleine LeBeau, S.Z. Sakall, Leonid Kinskey

Rating: Unrated - Suitable for anyone over 12

Classic Movie Guide Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Run Time: 102 minutes

Studio: Warner Bros Pictures