Today, 26 November 2012, is the 70th anniversary of “Casablanca”, the extraordinary romantic drama whose indisputable stars, Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, and exceptional music became a milestone in cinema history.
Who hasn’t listened to “As Time Goes By”? I remember this legendary film, full of moving, dramatic scenes in Morocco, where Casablanca is set during the World War II.
I earnestly recommend you to watch this classical masterpiece because it is full of beauty and you instantly recognize its memorable quotes such as “Play it, Sam. Play As Time Goes By" and “We'll always have Paris”.
Here is a small sample of Casablanca - arguably its most famous scenes.
Thanks a lot Cuchi for reminding us of the "happy" anniversary. You know, I've just listened to a short yet really interesting 14-minute special about Casablanca on BBC radio Leicester and, since I've recorded the show on Audacity, I can now embed it on this entry. Hope the BBC doesn't sue me, it's only for academic purposes!
Chani says:
ReplyDeleteOver the years, a lot of ink has been spilled to praise this masterpiece of cinema. So this is my modest, simple point of view. When I first saw this classic romantic melodrama, I remember it had a profound impact on my mood. I mean, I had mixed feelings about the end because it left me in shock but at the same time I was really fascinated with the story.
Casablanca, in Morocco, is the place when everyone waits, tediously and endlessly, to obtain a coveted exit visa and scurry to Lisbon. The main characters are obviously the lovers: the unforgettable Humphrey Bogart, who plays the saloonkeeper of “Rick’s Café Américain”, and the sweet, eternally wonderful Ingrid Berman in the role of Ilsa. The plot unfolds in Rick’s Café, where everything happens alongside a flashback in Paris, where the lovers met, fell in love and Ilsa broke Rick’s heart when she ran away from him at the station.
Undoubtedly, Casablanca is (also) far more than a typical romantic film. It contains, of course, a broad variety of themes, from oppression and patriotism to human valor and honor, as well as loyalty and friendship. Not to mention Rick’s deep, heartfelt dilemma between love and doing the right thing. In addition, it is a great film to enjoy legendary quotes such as “Play it Sam” or “We’ll always have Paris”. Moreover, there is the memorable music and that unforgettable song, “As Time Goes By”.
So if you want to know the answer to questions like why was Rick jilted at the station or what is his dilemma, you cannot miss the opportunity to see this magnificent film, which is even more sublime in its original version.