This film classic represents the high point of film making in the 1940's. Hampered by the shoddy cinematography of the early 1942 cameras and poor lighting from processes just then beginning to be understood, and from a time before special effects, this timeless, classic love story, this epic of human drama still shines through as one of the finest moments in film history. The pairing of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman was cinema magic! This relatively simple story was made so terribly important and so sensuously tender by the visible chemistry so easily seen between them, and the anguish of having to do the right thing, ignoring personal feelings and desires. If there were ever a classic that cried out for a remake this is it! It is 1942, Morocco, North Africa. Morocco is the gathering point, the train station of the Western European Continent, the only exit point left to escape the Germans, and make it to America. If you are on their list of political enemies, or if you are a Jew, or anyone else that the Germans are after, Casablanca is your last hope for escape and even survival itself. Rick Blane (Bogart)is an American living in Casablanca. He owns a night club called, Rick's Cafe American. It is the hub of Casablanca night life. Everybody who is anybody comes to Rick's. It is a meeting place for those trying to arrange exit visas too. Rick is not openly political. He has his opinions but keeps them to himself. This is part of unoccupied France and nobody needs any more trouble. One of the local "nobodys", Senor Ugarte (Peter Lorre)has just arrived and he asks Rick to have a drink with him. Rick doesn't think much of him but agrees when Ugarte brags about a big deal that he is working on. He is going to sell two exit visas signed by Gen. DeGualle, visas that can't be challenged or revoked! Ugarte asks Rick to hold them for him. Ugarte murdered two German Couriers for these papers. Within minutes Ugarte is challenged by the police. While attempting to escape is shot and killed. Very shortly afterwards, A famous man, a French Resistance Leader who has been fleeing the Nazis for two years enters. His name is Victor Lazlo, and he and his wife are here to meet Ugarte. This is their last chance to escape the Nazis. Rick's best friend and piano player is also important in this movie. Played by Doolie Wilson, is Sam. When Lazlo and his wife walk in, he is worried. Two years before in Paris, Lazlo's wife, Elsa, and Rick were in love and when she left without an explanation, it almost killed Rick. Sam just wants to protect Rick any way he can. Inspector Renault (Claude Rains), the French chief of police and Rick's friend, tells Rick about Lazlo, and when Rick sees him he is surprised to see his wife, Elsa. The Germans have made it clear that the French can never grant exit visas to Lazlo, so the visas received from Ugarte are their only salvation. Rick is bitter over the way Elsa disappeared. He didn't know that Lazlo was her husband, and at the time, she truly thought that he was dead, only finding out the truth when going to meet Rick. After a period of convincing, Rick gives in and gives them the visas. Although they are both still in love, they both realize what must be done for the greater good. In a tense finish, the Lazlos escape on the plane to Lisbon, and on to America. During the escape, Rick kills the German Major Strasse who was trying to block their escape. Rick's friend Police Magistrate Renault cover it up. Wonderful Movie!Read full review
This is one of the greatest movies ever made. With the best possible cast. Intrigue, suspense, mystery, story, dialogue, plot, characters, this one got it all. "As time goes by", one of the greatest songs written. Superb acting by everyone, characters that you remember, all your life. This is movie making at it's best. Hollywood needs to get back, to there roots,All you see on the big screen today,is sex,sex, and sex, I enjoy sex as much as the next guy. Killing, murder,blowing up entire sets, where is the acting?
Bogey at his best
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
It is a collectors item ,it will be really hard to get in future .It is clean & no violence ,nudity,or any kind of foul langugage .I decided to buy because it has beautiful love story .
An absolutely must have for any movie buff.Probably the best movie ever made with the most superb plot,cast,adventure/lovestory,drama and political commentary.Should be the gold standard for all films!
I consider it a classic and wanted to keep it. I wanted to have some of the old movies in my collection of DVD's, (movies). It is in excellent condition and will try to watch it often.
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