"Casablanca" Set a Classic Movie Standard

A classic movie can be born out of many different aspects of a film. It might be due to a timeless story or the strength of the screenplay. It could lie in the hands of a skillful director or an amazingly talented cast. It can come from a beautiful musical score or stunning cinematography. Rarely do all of those pieces come together in such perfect harmony that it creates a true masterpiece like "Casablanca."

At first glance the story might not seem that unusual. It is about politics and patriotism. It is about the horror of war and the sacrifices that must be made for the greater good. Yet, it is more than that. It is also a story about strength of character, the triumph of the human spirit and the power of love.

Humprhey Bogart's Rick is soured on constant war and determined to deny his freedom fighting past. Still, the club that carries his name is a harbor for refugees trying to escape the Nazi machine. He claims to stick his neck out for no one, but his actions often belie his words. His position is magnified when the girl he loved and lost turns up seeking his help. Part of him wants to take her in his arms. Another part wants to abandon her just as she did him.

Ingrid Bergman's Ilsa is also torn. She still loves Rick but will use him if it will save her husband Victor, played by Paul Heinreid. She wants Rick to provide letters of transit to ensure their escape to America. From there, Victor would be free to rally more people to the freedom cause.

Despite their love/hate relationship, chemistry re-ignites between Rick and Ilsa. He needs to know why she left him. She wants to explain. Yet, anger, frustration, guilt and pain won't allow any of that to take place. It becomes a stalemate until the stakes become too high for either of them to ignore. In the end, that forces Rick to make the most difficult decision of his life.

The intriguing story was adapted from an unpublished play called "Everybody Comes to Rick's." Written by Murray Burnett, it reflected what he saw while visiting Europe at the time of Nazi occupation. Still, the idea to turn the tension and suspense into a play didn't occur until he visited a club there. It was the destination for people to relieve stress and regain hope. It was the perfect setting for a play.

Brothers Julius J. and Philip G. Epstein adapted Murray's play for the big screen, infusing it with their unique sophistication, charm and wit. When they were unexpectedly called away for a time, Howard Koch was brought into to continue. His contributions about patriotism and self-sacrifice became the very heart of "Casablanca." Still, it lacked something that would make it complete; Rick and Ilsa's back-story. Casey Robinson provided that with flashbacks of the couple's meeting in Paris. Eventually woven together with Max Steiner's magnificent musical score, it became one of the greatest love stories of all time; always punctuated with the haunting strains of Herman Hupfield's "As Time Goes By."

In the hands of a director other than Michael Curtiz, "Casablanca" might not have been as successful. Curtiz had an uncanny knack for choosing the right components to give his movies authenticity. He used shadow and light, music and language and the sheer strength of his actors to build something unforgettable. He wove the love story seamlessly in with the suspense, intrigue and drama. He allowed the film to ebb and flow and finally built it to a marvelous crescendo with all the precision of a skilled conductor. Of course he had expert assistance. There was the brilliant cinematography of Arthur Edeson, the near perfect sets of George J. Hopkins and the remarkable costumes of Orry-Kelly.

Nonetheless, the success of "Casablanca" also rested on the shoulders of its cast and what a cast it was. Bogart's knack for playing a tough guy with a heart of gold was essential for the film to work. His cynicism, wit and cool exterior hid the soft, gentle soul buried within. Bergman's luminescent beauty and skillful acting, were exactly what was needed for the role of Ilsa. Every emotion of her heart was etched into her face and it was a face the audience believed men would fight over. Henreid's Victor was all hero; intelligent, courageous, strong and patriotic. He seemed disinterested, but he held a tender heart. Together, they created cinema magic.

The supporting cast was no less effective. Each one brought a much-needed piece to the well-woven tapestry that is, was and always will be "Casablanca." It is heartwarming and heartbreaking. It is romantic and intriguing. It is full of danger and self-sacrifice. Because of that, it expands the mind, touches the heart and stirs the soul.

RESOURCES:
Internet Movie Database
Background information provided with the film itself