Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains
Director: Michael Curtiz
Rating:
Enetertainment Quotient: 80%
Genre: Love
Color: Black & White
Running time: 102 min
MPAA rating: PG

Synopsis:
The place Casablanca holds great historical value in the world war because it is the connecting link for Europeans to go to America. One has to obtain a visa in Casablanca to go to America.

Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) owns the most famous café Rick’s. Capt. Renault (Claude Rains) gets information that two letters of transits are stolen and the holder of these transits is in Casablanca. At the same time, Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid) comes to Casablanca. Since Victor Laszlo is a revolutionary leader, the Germans want him stranded in Casablanca. Rick gets hold of these transits and simultaneously Laszlo is trying for these transits. Interestingly, Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) who is wife of Laszlo also happens to be the love of Rick. The rest of the story is all about how this beautiful love triangle set against war/political backdrop is resolved.

What is special in the film?
This film was made in 1942. Yet, if you watch it today, the intensity of the emotions is still just as overwhelming. Most black and white films tend to be out of place in today’s world. However, Casablanca strikes the right chord even today. That is the timeless quality about this classic. The film is an all time great in every area-story, acting, direction, dialogues and screenplay. Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid and Claude Rains are the major characters in the film. The noble, matured and chivalrous character of Rick is another highlight. Ingrid Bergman is very good as the woman torn between two men. Claude Rains is excellent as corrupt chief cop.

The scenes I liked in this film??

1. Rick making the newly married girl (in need to money to buy the visa) wins the roulette.

2. The song ‘As the time goes by’ by Sam.

3. The climax of the film.

Tailpiece: I hope that somebody remakes this film in Telugu/Hindi. The love thread of the film has been adapted in many films like Deewana, Aavida Maa Aavide etc. However, if somebody could find the perfect political backdrop from Andhra Pradesh for this story, Casablanca would be the perfect film for a remake. I think that Casablanca is the greatest film ever made that would appeal to movie lovers of any country/language. It belongs here, there and everywhere.