Casablanca (1942)

Can a movie be yummy? This one is scrumptious! Oh the metaphors...so much to sink one's teeth into. Where do I begin?

Rick - Humphrey Bogart

Ilsa Lund - Ingrid Bergman

Victor Laszlo - Paul Henreid

Captain Renault - Claude Rains

Ugarte - Peter Lorre

Ferrari - Sidney Greenstreet

Major Strasser - Conrad Veidt

This movie is rich and intense. It started when the head of Story Department at Warners, Irene Lee, went to New York. After reading "Everybody Comes to Rick's," she sent it to Jack Warner, arriving at the California office for review the day after the Pearl Harbor attack. In turn, Warner bought the movie rights for $20,000, more than had previously been paid for an unproduced play.

As for the plot, the movie opens with the news announcement that two German couriers have been murdered. Couriers who were carrying documents signed by President DeGaulle. It quickly moves to the nightclub, or Rick refers to it: saloon. The camera scans the various tables and corners revealing subplots being played out, thus setting the story that is about to unfold. Our first hint of Rick is when he is asked to sign a receipt which is dated (watch carefully) 2 December 1941. The camera pulls back to show him playing chess. Trivia alert: that shot was intentional since he was actually playing long-distance chess with a friend.

The setting is French Morocco; unoccupied French Morocco that is. The German's have arrived setting up headquarters with the idea that it will not be unoccupied for long. Captain Renault - "I'm afraid you will find Casablanca a bit warm." Major Strasser - "Oh, we Germans must get use to all sorts of weather." Evidence of their desire for world domination.

Casablanca is filled with foreigners who are searching, longing for a way out. Looking for freedom from the oppression of the Nazis. No one is insignificant in this film. Each character has a story of their own which unfolds as the plot careens around the various situations. But to leave they must first obtain precious letters of transit also referred to as exit visas. Through the movement of the camera, the viewer is lurking amongst the plans and deals as the various ones as they plot their escape.

Rick obviously has a hard shell around his life and his heart, seemingly untouchable. A roll that Bogart always played well. On the other hand, knowing about the love story between him and Lauren Bacall, one knows better. In the movie, we eventually see the cracks in Rick as well.

Enter Ugarte (Lorre) asking Rick to hold letters of transit for him. Letters of transit which have been signed by President DeGaulle. "Yesterday they were just two German couriers. Today they are the honored dead." is Rick's cynical reply when Ugarte expresses mock sorrow for the dead couriers. The dialogue throughout contains clues to the life that European refugées are subject to. A revelation for the viewer that helps to set the mood of the movie.

Separately yet simultaneously the Germans, having just decended upon Casablanca, and Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid) accompanied by the beautiful Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) arrive at Rick's Americain Café. A very tense situation. The Germans have been chasing Laszlo all throughout Europe as he strengthens the underground's fight against the Nazis. Now it appears that the chase could be coming to an end. Unbeknownst to everyone else including Victor, Rick and Ilsa have a history. Thus creating another tension. First it's the Nazis now it's a love triangle. The solution of both expertly played out.

The filming is amazing; each shot carefully choreographed or (videographed as it were). Full disclosure: I prefer B&W. The photography deepens moods and atmosphere by using the light and shadows.

The movie was released in late 1942. Americans had been deeply involved in the war for a year so they were acutely aware of what was happening in Europe. Also, several of the key players were actual refugées from Nazi-controlled Europe adding to the power of the story.

I continue to salivate over Miss Bergman's wardrobe. There is one outfit that I really dislike but the rest I lust for. I find myself drooling over admiring her outfit upon her entrance. That suit! That brooch! Actually, I'm captivated by the stunning brooch. Ilsa is even stylish as she perambulates through the bazaar. Hats? I have hat envy since I never seem to be able to pull off wearing them. The hat Ilsa wore at the bazaar was simple yet glamorous. And not many women can wear a fedora-styled hat the way Miss Bergman could. She added just the right touch of femininity to the one she wore in the final scene. Thankfully, the actual colors of her wardrobe are unknown. It would be a disappointment if the dresses weren't white. And it's not just the wardrobe but Miss Bergman wears them in a way that every woman wants to emulate her. She moves with grace and assurance.

When filming began, the script was not yet finished. In fact there were multiple final scenes shot while the end was worked out amongst the screen writers, director and producer. Did Rick end up with Ilsa? Did Victor? The endings had to be run past the censors as well as audiences.

There were many actors who were in line to be in this film. Rumored to be in the running for Rick were Ronald Reagan, Dennis Morgan, George Raft. However, Hal Wallis never considered anyone but Humphrey Bogart.

All throughout the film the music of "As Time Goes By" can be heard lilting through the background. Sometimes upbeat as flashbacks show better times, sometimes as a dirge when the seriousness of the situation was being showcased. Again, a subtle addition to creating the necessary mood.

One dramatic scene culminates in a clash between the French loyalists and the Nazi contingent. It is more poignant when you realize that many of the extras used in that scene are actually refugées. The scene is more powerful as you see the real tears, the result of past persecution. Some of the actors are actual German Jews who have escaped from Nazi German giving one a greater appreciation for their role.

Another tidbit: one of the writers, Joan Alison, creates a key character in this story-the letters of transit. While selling the story to Broadway as well as Hollywood, the hope was that no one would ask about them. Why? Because they were a total figment of her creative imagination. All throughout the process no one questioned the concept so they are included in Hollywood lore.

Correcting the myth: the often quoted statement "Play it again Sam" never occurred in the movie however, "Here's looking at you, kid." did.