play it again Sam

Casablanca a film noir directed by Michael Curitz and released in 1942 defines the word “classic.” The romance film takes place during World War II in the Moroccan city of Casablanca starring Humphrey Bogart as Rick Blaine and Ingrid Bergman as Ilsa Lund.
Rick Blaine owner of Rick’s Café Americain struggles to choose between his love for Ilsa and helping her husband, a resistance leader, flee to America. Ilsa and Rick had a passionate love affair in Paris which ended abruptly due to the German invasion of the city. Rick along with his piano playing friend Sam, fled to Casablanca and opened a bar. Years later Ilsa and her husband walk into Rick’s Café, leaving both lovers in a state of shock; “of all the gin joints and all the towns in the world, she walks into mine” –Rick. When Major Strasser (a Nazi) realizes that Laslow, Ilsa’s husband, is trying to flee the country Rick must make a decision between his love for Ilsa or saving her husband; love and virtue.


Although the plot is at times “cliché” the constant question of whether Rick will save his love life or that of Ilsa’s constantly keeps the viewers attention. The couple’s love song motif, As Time Goes By hints that their love with last, but until the last seven minutes the audience waffles on the choice that must be made. The costumes and lighting both allow the viewer to step into Rick’s Café during World War II. The costumes are exceptionally beautiful; Ilsa’s especially, her long gowns and waved hair truly make her look like the ideal, unforgettable women. Along with Ilsa the Major, Captain and other soldiers uniforms symbolize the ever present war. Although the lighting is usually pretty dim, shadows are often used – especially with Rick – giving the viewer a mysterious feel. The cinematographer, Arthur Edeson also uses catch lighting with Ingrid Bergman to make her eyes sparkle, giving the overall effect of sadness and nostalgia.


Music also plays a large role in the film. Along with the love motif, As Time Goes By and Sam’s constant piano playing the “battle of the anthems” scene was unusually memorable. The Nazi’s, with the help of the piano, start singing their national anthem in Rick’s café, which is then challenged with the French national anthem started by Laslow and café’s band. This powerfully emotional scene ends in tears by many of the characters, depicting their struggle to maintain their French culture during this time of War.

Casablanca will forever remain a classic film due to its romance and captivating storyline, after viewing this film you too will be asking, “play it again Sam.”