On this day in 1942 “Casablanca” had its world premiere. Is there anybody anywhere who has not seen it?
Why is this movie still considered one of the best of all times? Why do we still love Casablanca 71 years later? Is it its witty (at times) dialogue? Perhaps, as 5 of its lines still occupy the list of the most memorable movie lines of all time according to American Film Institute. Here they are:
- “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
- “Play it, Sam. Play ‘As Time Goes By’.”
- “Round up the usual suspects.”
- “We’ll always have Paris.”
- “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.”
Is it the great performances by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman? Is it the music? The photography? Is it the story itself and its message of sacrifice of one’s own love for the greater good? The amazing interiors? Or was it the beautiful city of Casablanca itself? An intensely romantic city, not really African, not quite European, a place trapped in between cultures, decadent, faded and intriguing.
I remember being shocked to find out that the movie was shot entirely on sound stage and WB studio lots in L.A. When I went to Morocco in 1992, I wanted to see Casablanca because of the movie. I wanted to grab a drink at Rick’s! Oops.
And BTW, here is the best line from Casablanca:
I’m shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here! – Captain Renault
Stay Tipsy! We’ll always have Casablanca!
Olga Adler is an interior designer based in Delray Beach, Florida providing design and decorating services to some of the finest homes in Palm Beach County.
