Casablanca (1943)

Ingrid Bergman was beautiful, but...

Despite the high regard many romantics hold for this film, I find it predictable and bare-boned in its plot, as were many early films. Many excellent romantic movies have been made over the ensuing decades, but you should watch Casablanca at least once, for it has influenced the English language. August 13, 2008

never got it

Never got the movie, no response to email. I would be concerned if I had to order again from this seller. July 17, 2008

Simply a Classic

Simply can't go wrong with this movie. It is considered a classic and for good reason. Well staged, great music, intrigue, and plot twist. Of course first rate acting from the entire cast. This one has it all. Added features of this version are well worth any extra price. The video quality is high as well. July 15, 2008

As Time Goes By . . .

. . . This film simply gets better and better. How can it miss with such a cast? Not only Humphrey Bogart as Rick and Ingrid Bergman as Ilse, but also the ensemble group of minor characters. Who can forget oily-voiced Peter Lorre smuggling the letters of transit? Or rotund Sidney Greenstreet swatting flies at the Blue Parrot? My very favorite, however, is Claude Raines as Louis, the (lovably) corrupt Prefect of Police, whose heart is his "least vulnerable spot," and whose lines, which include "Round up the usual suspects!" are among the best and the most humorous in the movie. His shock, as he stuffs his pockets with his winnings, that gambling is going on at Rick's place, has to be one of the classic moments in cinema.

And, of course, one of the most brilliant scenes--my very favorite "three-handkerchief-blubbering" moment, in fact--is when Nazi Colonel Strasser (Conrad Veidt) and his officers are standing around the piano, belting out "Watch on the Rhine," and Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid) orders the band to play the "Marseilleise"; although the two pieces of music blend perfectly at first, the "Marseilleise" triumphs in the end. Vive la France!!!

I think that one of the secrets of this movie's greatness is that in addition to the outstanding actors, the writers and the director have combined the right mixture of romance, adventure, and patriotism with a huge dollop of humor. A time-tested recipe that seems to have been forgotten in so many films made today. June 28, 2008

Everyone is in love with Rick

1942 the Nazi occupation of France. Refugees must take a long and torturers rout Through Casa Blanca on their way to America; there "Everybody comes to Rick's." Rick's is a nightclub and a way station for a chance to get to America. Rick is played by Humphrey Bogart.

Here we also stay for a while to watch a drama unfold. There are overlapping stories. One of a young couple trying to get to America and the girl wondering if a girl should have to do something naughty was wondering what would happen if her husband, "a boy in many ways", would find out? A second rate crook (Peter Lorre) obtains something of value at the expense of two German curriers. A Police Captain (Claude Rains) is shocked to find there is gambling going on at Rick's. Many other stories surround the main theme of a love triangle that started in Paris and now can mean so much to individuals or the effort for freedom.

Will the Nazi's win their prize?
Will Capt. Renault get the young girl?
Will Rick get away with Ilsa?

This film has become quite a classic. There are many quotes and misquotes attributed to the film. You will find your self kibitzing. One memorable seen for all is the showdown where the Germans are singing "Watch on the Rhine" and Yvonne (Madeleine LeBeau) over powers them leading the "La Marseillaise."

http://home.foni.net/%7Ehahnstrohbach/diewacht.mp3

Can not tell if it is Blu-ray or just the big screen but many details are al of a sudden visible. It does not add to the story but is improves the viewing experience.
June 28, 2008

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