Review of Casablanca (1943) by John T — 15 Apr 2013

Casablanca is universally regarded as one of the greatest films ever made and it is mine. Humphrey Bogart stars as Rick Blaine in his seminal role as a cafe owner in neutral North Africa in 1942. He comes into possession of two letters of transit, invaluable items to the many refugees seeking passage out of Casablanca. He was ably supported by a fantastic cast. Paul Henreid and Ingrid Bergman play the intended recipients of the letters soon show up, resistance leader Victor Laszlo and his wife Ilsa, Rick's former flame who left him as the Germans were occupying Paris in 1940. This dynamic between the three is a seminal theme driving the plot. Claude Rains plays the duplicitous Vichy French Prefect of Police who enters into a wager with Rick as to whether or not Laszlo will be able to escape Casablanca. The supporting cast include Conrad Veidt, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre and Dooley Wilson as Rick's piano playing confidant, Sam. Casablanca is filled with mystery, suspense, intrigue and romance; all the elements of a classic film nor movie, although there is much debate as to whether this film should be classifies in that category.

The entire cast was superb, the settings are excellent, and the cinematogrophy is wonderful. The song "As Time Goes By" was made famous by Casablanca; it's melody is entwined throughout the film, and it too is now a classic, filled with romance and nostalgia. There were many memorable lines from the movie. However, the most famous line. "play it again, Sam" was never actually uttered in the film but has become part of movie lore.

There was much debate whether Ilsa should wind up with Rick or Laszlo in the end. Although those hoping for a happy resolution of the personal conflicts might be disappointed, with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, viewing the movie through its not so subtle condemnation of isolationism will understand that the director and screenwriters made the proper choice.