Considered among the greatest films of all time, Casablanca is being re-released in theaters for audiences to experience on the big screen. For those who haven’t seen it before, there may be some preconceived notions, perhaps thinking it’ll come across as self-important or too slow for modern viewers to enjoy. Fortunately, I think newcomers will be pleasantly surprised. For an 83-year-old movie, Casablanca remains incredibly accessible, with a thrilling, romantic story that’s peppered with unforgettable lines, all brilliantly delivered by its wonderful cast. It’s pure entertainment as only the Golden Age of Hollywood could deliver, and its message remains salient even today.
Set in December 1941, refugees fleeing the war in Europe stream into the titular Moroccan city with hopes of securing an escape to America. Two German couriers have been murdered, and the letters of transit they were carrying stolen. This sets in motion a cascade of events as officers of Nazi Germany and Vichy France attempt to recover these letters, whose value lies in their ability to allow anyone who possesses them safe passage out of Casablanca.
Amid the rising tensions, a noted resistance leader, Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid), and his wife, Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) arrive in the city, hoping to lay hands on those letters, which have since come into the possession of nightclub owner, Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart). Rick and Ilsa, it’s soon revealed, share a romantic history, setting up one of the most famous love triangles in cinema history. As Ilsa sorts through her feelings and decides which man she really loves, Rick must decide whether it’s time to set aside his isolationist views and finally join the fight against the Nazis.
Casablanca May Surprise Modern Audiences With How Accessible It Is
A Tight Script, Deft Directing, & Sharp Editing Deliver A Film That Doesn’t Waste A Single Frame
Casablanca is very much a product of the studio system, which churned out movies like a factory from the 1920s through the early 1960s. One of over 30 productions Warner Bros. released in 1942, it wasn’t made with any intention of being a special movie. And yet, because everything is so efficiently handled — from the writing, directing, casting, editing, art direction, and more — it is an example of a nearly perfectly assembled film.
Casablanca’s script has no fat, with every scene expertly moving the story along while also developing the characters. Four writers worked on it – Julius and Philip Epstein, Howard Koch, and an uncredited Casey Robinson – but even so, the script is tight and filled with iconic lines that are still quoted today. There’s nothing flashy about Michael Curtiz’s direction, either, but it is exceedingly skillful (unsurprising for a director of over 100 films), with the camera seamlessly tracking to follow the action within Rick’s Café Américain and the occasional dolly shot to put focus on the most important moments.
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AFI’s 100 Years… 100 Movie Quotes Ranking |
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No. 67 – Rick: “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.” |
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No. 43 – Rick (to llsa): “We’ll always have Paris.” |
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No. 32 – Renault: “Round up the usual suspects.” |
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No. 28 – Ilsa: “Play it again, Sam. Play ‘As Time Goes By’.“ |
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No. 20 – Rick (to Renault): “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” |
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No. 5 – Rick (to Ilsa): “Here’s looking at you, kid.” |
The lighting evokes the styles of film noir and expressionist movies, as deep shadows are contrasted with sharp highlights, creating mood and drawing our focus to those important beats. Casablanca’s editing is just as efficient, keeping the film’s pace moving along steadily as the twists and turns of the romantic and political plots converge. With a runtime of under two hours, the movie never lags. The cinematography and editing were handled by industry veterans, Arthur Edeson and Owen Marks, so it’s no surprise how approachable the film feels thanks to their competent work.
Casablanca holds the most spots of any film on AFI’s 100 Years… 100 Movie Quotes list with six. Only Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz come close with three apiece.
Whether it’s the opening scene that swiftly outlines what’s at stake or the Parisian flashbacks that succinctly bring us up to speed on Rick and Ilsa’s love affair, Casablanca is an easy movie to get into. The black-and-white photography has aged beautifully, and the staging within Rick’s café makes the obvious sound stage feel like a real place. It’d be easy to assume that as an old movie, Casablanca would be dull or unrelatable, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Its fame is deserved, but more importantly, it’s great entertainment.
Casablanca’s Cast Is Led By Bonafide Movie Stars
But It’s The Supporting Players Who Really Shine
Casablanca stars Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, two of Classic Hollywood’s biggest stars. Their Rick and Ilsa have since become legendary, and it’s easy to see why. Bogart is at his most effortlessly cool in this film. He also brings great depth, particularly in how he lets heartbreak play across his face when first reunited with Ilsa, and again when recalling their better days in Paris. Meanwhile, Ilsa could have been a bland or even cold character, but Bergman really sells the conflicting emotions swirling inside her, often with just a look.
As captivating as they are as romantic leads, it’s the supporting cast who stand out. Claude Rains’ Captain Renault is an exceptionally charming opportunist and a scene-stealer. His rapport with Bogart is a highlight and their chemistry rivals that of Rick and Ilsa, making the film’s ending all the more appropriate. Paul Henried’s Victor Laszlo is often overshadowed, but he’s actually a fierce and determined character — not so dissimilar from Rick. (Why else would Ilsa have fallen in love with them both?) Dooley Wilson’s Sam is unforgettable, acting as conscience and confidante while also performing the film’s signature song.
Many in the cast, from Henried to background actors, were themselves European expats and refugees, making the strong emotions seen during the “La Marseillaise” scene all the more real.
The supporting cast is rounded out by Conrad Veidt as Major Strasser, Sydney Greenstreet as Ferrari, and Peter Lorre as Ugarte – all contract players at WB whose performances enliven and further the tension of Casablanca. Then there’s the background cast, all of whom have memorable moments as their own little vignettes weave together to form a tapestry of characters desperate to flee the encroaching war. For many, this culminates in a now iconic scene where “La Marseillaise”, the French national anthem, becomes a rousing moment of pride and protest in the face of an ever-growing Nazi presence.
Though Made Over 80 Years Ago, Casablanca Remains As Timely As Ever
Casablanca was released roughly one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and it was even rushed to capitalize on the publicity of Allied Forces entering North Africa. While a patriotic movie and one firmly told from an American perspective, its propaganda isn’t overt, though its message is clear – fascism is growing and only America’s brand of liberal democracy can stop it. Early in the film, Ferrari says to Rick: “Isolationism is no longer a practical policy,” urging Rick and the country he represents to finally pick a side.
Hopefully, we can muster the same courage to refute fascism in all its forms and put the needs of others above our own desires.
While made with its wartime audience in mind, it’s impossible not to relate Casablanca’s messaging with the world we live in today. Authoritarianism is growing in influence and war is again threatening to embroil Europe as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enters its third year. And while the final message of Casablanca is a hopeful one of the U.S.’s involvement turning the tide against Nazi Germany, this wasn’t a known fact when the film was released.
Even without knowing how the war would end, Casablanca chooses a hopeful tone for its ending. Rick makes a noble sacrifice, one that denies him true love, as the Lazslos escape while he and Renault resolve to take up the fight against the Nazis. It’s a message that has withstood the test of time and is still as pertinent today as it was when first released.
Casablanca
10/10
- Release Date
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January 15, 1943
- A near perfect film made by a system where all its artists were working at the top of their game.
- Easily the most quotable film in cinema history, with lines that are still referenced today.
- Standout performances from its movie star leads all the way down to the background actors.
- An iconic ending which can resonate with audiences today just as strongly as it did 83 years ago.