Dooley Wilson tells Humphrey Bogart to get his act together. Image: Telemagazyn
Movies, especially modern movies, changed for us when we saw Casablanca (1942) the first time.
That’s not to say we don’t like modern cinema; indeed, we were treated to some real gems in 2022, including:
Top Gun: Maverick, because of the Over-The-Top fossil-fuel adrenaline after two years of lockdowns.
See How They Run, a cheeky, self-knowing nod to whodunnits and Alfred-Hitchcock-style storyboarding.
Guitar Lessons, a powerful Canadian indie flick that you must see if you get the chance.
Casablanca was not the first old movie we saw. We (yours truly) discovered classic film as a young teenager, when we fell in love with Laurel and Hardy shorts, along with Bob Hope in The Princess and the Pirate, and the faintly cynical Warner Bros. animated shorts.
We heartily appreciated these comedies; however, they didn’t prompt us to actively source classic film. But when we stumbled over the WWII drama Casablanca, we unearthed a whole substrata of cinema we knew little about.
When we were in our late teens, a local television station aired Casablanca late one Saturday night. We went into it Unimpressed and prepared to hate-watch an insipid melodrama.
But Casablanca is not that movie. We discovered a smart film with witty lines, fascinating characters, and an underlying current of Dread.
Our movie viewing hasn’t been the same since.
Conrad Veidt and Claude Rains conspire to take over the city – and the movie. Image: Pixels
Our family didn’t Go To The Movies very often Back in the Day; indeed, no theatre chain grew rich from our attendance. Most of the entertainment we received was from the three channels on our television, which we were probably lucky to get, considering we lived in a rural area.
We (yours truly) were impatient with viewing choices before we saw Casablanca. We were quick to point out continuity errors and perceived script weaknesses, as though our opinions made things better.
Strangely, our siblings felt our editorializing lessened their viewing enjoyment. They resented it, and eventually we learned to keep our mouth Shut if there was to be any peace in the household.
So, it’s hardly surprising that we should see Casablanca alone. Ironically, we watched it all The Way Through without comment or criticism.
It was, perhaps, the most sophisticated film we’d ever seen. It balanced an ill-fated romance with a taut political situation, and when it was over, we felt elated and a little cheated. Where had this wonderful film been all our life?
We liked the nuance in the storytelling, and that things didn’t need to be Spelled Out. We liked the runtime at just over 100 minutes, and that the story could be told in 100 minutes. We liked the absence of drawn-out, preachy sequences, which ensured a steady, even tempo.
These things became our Requirements for a Good Movie, and, we must admit, they still are.
Sidney Greenstreet (l) counsels Paul Henreid and Ingrid Bergman. Image: Quora
Now, we don’t mean to oversell Casablanca. It has its flaws and convenient plot devices, but it’s not the only film guilty of these sins.
You’ve likely heard all the stories about the production: How other writers were brought in to round out the flashback/romance; how the script was being re-written as it was filmed; and how the ending was altered slightly in post-production.
Yet the film doesn’t feel chaotic. It gives you the feeling it knows where it’s going, and it rewards you with a fabulous pay-off. This, surely, contributed to the film’s seven Academy Award nominations. (It won two, including Best Picture.)
If you haven’t yet seen Casablanca, consider this your homework assignment. If you have seen this legendary film, do you remember the first time you saw it?
Casablanca: starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid. Directed by Michael Curtiz. Written by Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, Howard Koch. Warner Bros., B&W, 1942, 102 mins.
It’s funny what a young man recollects. I only watched Casablanca once and I desperately need to rewatch it. I know I really liked it when I saw it and I do understand the themes, but I think I was too young to fully appreciate it as one of the greatest movies of all time. I watched Gone with the Wind and Citizen Kane around the same time, so it’s possible Casablanca was overshadowed.
I don’t know if you saw what I did over the summer, but this year I finally managed to watch every single Best Picture winner. Some of my older reviews may be a bit rough, but it was my biggest accomplishment of the year! https://mastermixmovies.wordpress.com/every-best-picture-winner/
Completely agree, Ruth. It’s a film that packs quite the punch and doesn’t waste a second or wear out its welcome. Thank you so much for sharing why this one is so special to you. Maddy
I did see this at a classic screening at my local cinema a very long time ago. I think I need to rewatch.
I have rewatched 2 old films that I have on dvd recently. Have you seen The Ghost and Mrs Muir starring Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison? And also I know where I’m going starring Wendy Hiller. Two of my faves…x
I first saw Casablanca for a film class in my Senior Year of High School back in 2005-06. I remember really liking it, but having trouble understanding Rick’s speech to Elsa at the end, my teacher said you have to be something of a romantic to fully appreciate it, and years later I definitely do. There was most certainly a touch of class to the film I agree, and looking back it truly is very intelligent in its handling of the main plot and subplot. Funny enough, I was never one to point out flaws in films, even as a kid, though my Dad and I had a bad habit of talking too much about them while watching.
Can I ask an unrelated question? Which WordPress theme do you have? I’ve just found out that my theme had retired and I grudgingly have to change it. I like your layout. Thanks, Maggie
Wonderful review of an incredible movie! I just found your comments in my WP spam filter. I am so sorry I didn’t see them. Happiness & Health to you in The New Year! ⌚🔢🕛🎊
Oh, I’m glad you found them! I’ve been having lots of trouble with commenting the past couple of months. It must have something to do with my browser settings, but I’m not having luck fixing it. Anyway, best wishes to you and yours in 2023!
I have to confess that I didn’t like the movie the first time I saw it. I was in high school and just starting to watch classic films, and it was billed as a romance. I didn’t like it because it wasn’t what I was expecting (too much other stuff going on for me). When I saw it again, I was blown away by how wrong I’d been. Now one of my enjoyments in rewatching it is my amusement at my terrible high school taste.
Ha! I’m sure you didn’t have terrible taste in high school. I’m always puzzled when folks call this film a romance, because it’s not really. It’s so much better!
Something really similar happened to me with Casablanca: I thought it was just a romantic, boring huge drama, but when I saw it I just fell totally in love with every single part of it. I still adore not only Bogart and Ingrid Bergman but Peter Lorre too, wonderful actors! And I still know some crucial history facts just thanks to that movie. Casablanca just made history itself, that’s it. Thank you and Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Ruth! 🙂
It is great to see that you are still enjoying some modern movies. I’m so far removed from them that my tastes are even rubbing off on my kids. My 17-year-old son admittedly dislikes most new things he sees, usually on Netflix and Prime. He believes that the ’90s was the best decade ever. 😉
Both you and I were charmed by Claude Rains, it seems! When he sets the standard, it’s very hard to accept anything less. It is remarkable to hear about the effect that CASABLANCA had on you. How many times have you watched it over the years?
Silver Screenings 
A favorite of mine, too.
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I knew you had good taste.😉
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It’s a staple on Turner Classic Movies. Do you watch TCM?
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I loved TCM when we had cable, but we but the cord several years ago. Happily, Casablanca is available online.
Are you a fan of the film?
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For sure.
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It’s funny what a young man recollects. I only watched Casablanca once and I desperately need to rewatch it. I know I really liked it when I saw it and I do understand the themes, but I think I was too young to fully appreciate it as one of the greatest movies of all time. I watched Gone with the Wind and Citizen Kane around the same time, so it’s possible Casablanca was overshadowed.
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You saw the Trifecta of classic film all in the same time period? Hats off to you, man.
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Thank you, and that was all before I turned 20.
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No way! I’m impressed.
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I don’t know if you saw what I did over the summer, but this year I finally managed to watch every single Best Picture winner. Some of my older reviews may be a bit rough, but it was my biggest accomplishment of the year!
https://mastermixmovies.wordpress.com/every-best-picture-winner/
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I think I saw a few of those reviews, but thank you for the link. I’ll be by to check them out!
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It’s a family favourite. Both my daughters quote the entire movie line by line.
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That is awesome! You’ve raised your daughters well.
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👍
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Completely agree, Ruth. It’s a film that packs quite the punch and doesn’t waste a second or wear out its welcome. Thank you so much for sharing why this one is so special to you. Maddy
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Thanks, Maddy. I do love a film with economical but meaningful storytelling.
I can’t wait to read the other entries later today. Such a great idea for a blogathon.
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I did see this at a classic screening at my local cinema a very long time ago. I think I need to rewatch.
I have rewatched 2 old films that I have on dvd recently. Have you seen The Ghost and Mrs Muir starring Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison? And also I know where I’m going starring Wendy Hiller. Two of my faves…x
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I have seen The Ghost & Mrs Muir. Gene Tierney is lovely, isn’t she?
I haven’t seen I Know Where I’m Going,but if it has Wendy Hiller & Roger Livesey, I’m in!
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I love the Ghost and Mrs Muir and was given the book it is based upon for Christmas.
I think you would like I Know Where I’m Going. 🙂
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I first saw Casablanca for a film class in my Senior Year of High School back in 2005-06. I remember really liking it, but having trouble understanding Rick’s speech to Elsa at the end, my teacher said you have to be something of a romantic to fully appreciate it, and years later I definitely do. There was most certainly a touch of class to the film I agree, and looking back it truly is very intelligent in its handling of the main plot and subplot. Funny enough, I was never one to point out flaws in films, even as a kid, though my Dad and I had a bad habit of talking too much about them while watching.
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Ah, you’re a good person to not be pointing out a film’s flaws while watching. I bet you and your father had some good film discissions!
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Can I ask an unrelated question? Which WordPress theme do you have? I’ve just found out that my theme had retired and I grudgingly have to change it. I like your layout. Thanks, Maggie
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I have “The Writer” theme. It is a paid theme, but I love it. I think it would work so well with Monkey’s Tale.
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Thanks, I’ll look for it!
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My dad adored this film and watched it every time it was on TV. I really should watch it sometime..
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Gill, I think you’d really like this one. There’s a lot of wit, but also a tender love story. If you do see it, I’d love to know what you think.
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It’s definitely on the list now. Thanks for the recommendation.
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Wonderful review of an incredible movie! I just found your comments in my WP spam filter. I am so sorry I didn’t see them. Happiness & Health to you in The New Year! ⌚🔢🕛🎊
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Oh, I’m glad you found them! I’ve been having lots of trouble with commenting the past couple of months. It must have something to do with my browser settings, but I’m not having luck fixing it. Anyway, best wishes to you and yours in 2023!
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I have to confess that I didn’t like the movie the first time I saw it. I was in high school and just starting to watch classic films, and it was billed as a romance. I didn’t like it because it wasn’t what I was expecting (too much other stuff going on for me). When I saw it again, I was blown away by how wrong I’d been. Now one of my enjoyments in rewatching it is my amusement at my terrible high school taste.
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Ha! I’m sure you didn’t have terrible taste in high school. I’m always puzzled when folks call this film a romance, because it’s not really. It’s so much better!
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Something really similar happened to me with Casablanca: I thought it was just a romantic, boring huge drama, but when I saw it I just fell totally in love with every single part of it. I still adore not only Bogart and Ingrid Bergman but Peter Lorre too, wonderful actors! And I still know some crucial history facts just thanks to that movie. Casablanca just made history itself, that’s it. Thank you and Happy New Year!
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Happy New Year to you, dear Madame Verdurin. Yes, the casting in Casablanca is perfect, isn’t it? It has so much atmosphere.
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Happy New Year, Ruth! 🙂
It is great to see that you are still enjoying some modern movies. I’m so far removed from them that my tastes are even rubbing off on my kids. My 17-year-old son admittedly dislikes most new things he sees, usually on Netflix and Prime. He believes that the ’90s was the best decade ever. 😉
Both you and I were charmed by Claude Rains, it seems! When he sets the standard, it’s very hard to accept anything less. It is remarkable to hear about the effect that CASABLANCA had on you. How many times have you watched it over the years?
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The 1990s had some pretty great films, hey? Some of my faves are Toy Story, Schindler’s List, and You’ve Got Mail.
As for Casablanca, I’ve probably seen it over 2 dozen times. How about you?
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