When they start writing the history of the star crossed lover movie Casablanca always pushes to the front. As the 80th Anniversary makes its way to theaters you have to appreciate much more than just the love story that is Casablanca.
It was a movie that was started before the United States entered the World War II and released after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The movie was difficult to make with them relegated to staying on the lot to film and not going to location somewhere in fear that Japan may fly over in another attack. There were a number of writers on the film shooting it back and forth to each other. Much of the original play that was written 'Everybody goes to Ricks' is in the film, but it was changed and much of the daily shoot was written and rewritten the day it was shot. The final line of the film....one of the most famous ever....'Louie, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship'...was added at the last moment and Bogart had to do it in Voice over because shooting for that scene was over. The planes in the movie were made of carboard and balsa wood for the most part because they had to shoot on the studio lot. Just weeks before shooting began Bogie and Ingrid Bergman were trying to figure out how to get off the picture because they believed all the dialogue was bad. Paul Henried only agreed to do the film because he was getting co-billing and figured this would launch him as a leading man.
Alas through all of it the film stands, and maybe not because the guy didn't get the girl in the end which is almost the case in all great love stories, it is also because of the characters and the friendships. Arguably the most important relationship in the whole thing is between Rick and Louie. Claude Rains and Humphrey Bogart truly look like they are having fun in every scene they have together. Many of the best lines in the flick happen when they are bantering.
And speaking of the lines, how many movies that are approaching 100 years old still have so many lines quoted. I don't know that anybody uses, 'Here's looking at you kid' without it being tongue in cheek cheesy....but it is used. How about some of the speeches back and forth.
Captain Renault: What in heaven's name brought you to Casablanca?
Rick: My health. I came to Casablanca for the waters.
Captain Renault: The waters? What waters? We're in the desert.
Rick: I was misinformed.
Yvonne: Where were you last night?
Rick: That's so long ago, I don't remember.
Yvonne: Will I see you tonight?
Rick: I never make plans that far ahead.
Ugarte: You despise me, don't you?
Rick: If I gave you any thought I probably would.
Its a film where the Warner's reminded Americans to get behind the war efforts. They were anti-Nazi even before the other studios figured out too late that Hitler was a maniac. Warner Bros pulled its studio out of Germany in the late 1930's. It was representation of Americans in that time period. They would rather stay not involved but when push comes to shove they get involved and play to win.
There is nothing better than seeing black and white celluloid on the big screen so if you can figure how to get yourself to check it out, definitely do it.
The Dr
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