Review of Casablanca (1943) by Bill C — 14 Feb 2017

Well, I just thought I'd put my two cents in on the ending. I disagree with most critics. A more satisfying ending would have been for Rick and Ilsa to have remained together at the end. I realize the whatever movie board might not have allowed a married woman to run off with a married man. But that wouldn't be an issue if Lazlo were killed in Casablanca. Also, I think even the Catholic Church would have granted them an annulment, as Ilsa was a young child whose admiration and fascination for Lazlo were mistaken for love, insufficient grounds for a true marriage. Most importantly, Rick and Ilsa had a passionate love that perhaps few are privileged to experience. Just compare the scenes where Rick and Ilsa are together to the Lazlo-Ilsa scenes. R-I scenes are FAR more passionate. I don't even recall a kiss between L and I. Lazlo's passion is defeat of the Axis powers. His love for Ilsa, if he really loves her, is at best secondary to his love of his position with the résistance. So put Lazlo on the plane, let Rick sell the other transit ticket for a fortune, and let Rick and Ilsa live happily ever after. How? Wait for the sequel. And no one will feel sorry for Lazlo. He's embraced his passion. And now Rick and Ilsa can embrace each other. Forever.

Louis: Bill, I always suspected you were a sentimentalist at heart.