They Wait in Casablanca, and wait, and wait, and . . .
It's not a horror movie, and that makes it an unusual review for my site. But before there were horror movies in my life there was Casablanca. I may have seen this movie more times than some film critics. I love it.
It isn't the patriotism of the story that I like so much. It is the humor. My wife put it in for me last night because I had a bad day. As I watched, I remembered why I liked it so much. Sure there is the overwhelming positivism of the the Allies. The characters seem to have no doubt that good will win the war, but a strange thing occurred to me. When the movie was made (1942), we had no idea who would win. That would make viewing this movie a lot different.
I like the arogance of the movie. Every character has his or her own swagger. Rick is assured of himself until Ilsa comes back. Victor Laslo has evaded the Nazis more times than not. Renault is his own snivling master. Major Strasse has that Nazi quality that so many did.
Then there is the end. I've never figured it out. Does Ilsa really love Rick? Does he really believe that she does love him? Was he always planning on letting Laslo escape, at least once he learns who is wife is. That is why I love this movie. It is great in it's own vagueness. We never know what happens to the characters. What happens to Sam after Rick leaves. Does he still play "As Time Goes By"? Is that the beginning of a beautiful friendship? Do Isla and Victor make it to America?
I leave you with two of my favorite lines from the movie.
"What nationality are you?"
Rick: "I'm a drunkard."
and of course.
"Major there are certain parts of New York I suggest you not invade."
Play it Sam. Play as time goes by.
