Review of Casablanca (1943) by Kevin R — 28 Nov 2012

The problems of three little people don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world.

During World War I a small Moroccan port has a casino run by a womanizing American. The American will not let anyone get close to him, especially women, and he stays neutral on every issue, take no sides, and stays pretty much out of trouble despite his position at the casino. A famous Jew from the concentration camps is scheduled to arrive at the casino and he brings with him a beautiful girl. The beautiful girl is exactly why the American is the way he is...they have a past in Paris that the Jew knows nothing about. Further complicating matters, the Nazis have started becoming a bigger influence in the area and begin filtering into the casino.

"Where were you last night?".

"It was so long ago I don't remember.".

"What are you doing tonight?".

"I never make plans that far ahead.".

Michael Curtiz, director of The Adventures of Robin Hood, Mildred Pierce, White Christmas, The Hangman, The Vagabond King, and Yankee Doodle Dandee, delivers Casablanca. The storyline for this picture is amazing with awesome characters and a fantastic script. The acting is remarkable and the cast delivers epic performances. The cast includes Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Peter Lorre, Claude Rains, and Conrad Veidt.

"You'd think you've been doing this your entire life.".

"Who says I haven't?".

I am a huge Michael Curtiz and Humphrey Bogart fan and was disappointed that it took me so long to finally see this; of course, as soon as this became available I DVR'd this picture off Turner Classic Movies (TCM). I will say that I loved this gem and found the settings, characters, and script unbelievably good. This is one of the all time great pictures and after seeing it this isn't an overrated picture...it's one of the all time greatest. This is a must see film.

"You despise me don't you?".

"If I gave you any thought I probably would.".

Grade: A+.