Casablanca (1942)

A film which many critics consider the finest in history is Director Michael Curtiz' "Casablanca". I happen to think it is right on up there, although I've never pinned myself down to a formal ranking of my very, very favorites.

The story concerns the wartime neutral city of Casablanca and the myriad fugitives and displaced persons from war torn Europe. Spies and femmes fatales are everywhere, as are the French police and the German Wehrmacht, checking passports and stories while quenching their unending thirsts at Rick's Cafe Americain.

I guess it's the dialog that I think of first, when I think of "Casablanca".

"Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine!"

"Here's looking at you, kid."

"We'll always have Paris."

"I stick my neck out for nobody."

"Round up the usual suspects."

Rick's "Cafe Americain" is a place we all long to go, with spies, beautiful, mysterious women, heavenly music, and all sorts of intrigue and excitement.

Humphrey Bogart (The Maltese Falcon, Treasure of the Sierra Madre) of course, is Rick, an American expatriate in the North African city of Casablanca. "I came for the waters," is Rick's explanation of why he is there. "But it's a desert!" exclaims Captain Renault, admirably brought to life by Claude Rains. "I was misinformed," shoots back Rick. So continues the delightful dialog of Casablanca, with never a dull moment.

"You played it for her, you can play it for me!" Rick's immortal line, which has been corrupted to "Play it again, Sam."

While on the surface a story of intrigue, the true theme of Casablanca is one of unrequited love, its tortures and redemption.

There is nothing not to like in this cinematic treat: Sublime sets, titanic score, inspired directing, awesome cinematography, tremendous supporting cast, like Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, and Paul Henried. And of course, Ingrid Bergman's beautiful "Ilsa".

If you haven't seen it, you don't know what you're missing!

Also recommended are Treasure of the Sierra Madre, The African Queen, and The Maltese Falcon, for Humphrey Bogart fans. "Istanbul, one of Errol Flynn's last films, also is interesting for "Casablanca" fans.