Introduction
One of the most classic and enduring cinematic triumphs, Casablanca, opened in the United States in January of 1943. Its illustrious cast headed by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman included Paul Henreid as Ingrid’s heroic resistance leader husband, Claude Rains as the worldly wise police captain and In lesser manipulative roles were Sidney Greenstreet and Peter Lorry. Dooley Wilson who, as Sam in the movie, plays and sings the still well known and popular song, “As Time Goes By”.
Discussion
It was this cast and some superior moments each member plays which gives the somewhat improbable plot part of its immense strength. Another, often ignored, aspect of the movie is the conflict many humans experience between a past well loved and remembered, and a future of duty and responsibility. There is also the attraction of a forbidden love, the threat of imminent danger. The love scenes are implied not explicit, the politics of the times, complicated and the heroism is psychological for the most part.
In the end duty and honor triumph over desire and self preservation and we are left with the feeling that although all is NOT well in the world we as individuals can make it better. Perhaps that is the clue to the continuing popularity of the movie. The actors make seem real the ridiculous situation that world conflict and political intrigue which embroil otherwise normal humans in a sensitive love story and a suspenseful war story. The call to higher duty and sacrifice appeals to the best in us and continues to inspire us to believe we can make the world a better place to live in.
We also have legitimate “bad guys” to hate in the form of the Nazi and the popular turning of an uninvolved man, Rick, into a heroic character.
There is a classic love triangle complicated by the serious problem of war and the danger that the heroine’s husband is in from the enemy. The story plays out against the backdrop of wartime Casablanca in Morroco. It is a little more romantic than reaolity, but the setting is, itsel, bigger than life, so it works.
Inclusion
The characterization is totally believable and the acting is superb. The screenplay was well written with few wasted words, and some have lived on for decades and are recognizable still in popular vernacular. “Play it again, Sam” has all the connotations given it in the move of taking us back to a more romantic time. This movie is a classic that will live on as long as there is a new crop of people to see it, because the story is timeless, the cinematography is artistic and the acting is superb.