CASABLANCA (1942) | FIRST TIME REACTION | MOVIE REACTION
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
- #Casablanca #Watching #Movie
Enjoy my reaction to "Casablanca" - Michael Curtiz.
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This classic truly was an inspirational ride from the start to the end! Thank you for the suggestions.
CASABLANCA (Full-length reaction): www.patreon.com/posts/61909053
Have you watched our French Anthem La Marseillaise scene when the entire bar started singing ?
@@christophermichaelclarence6003 Yes, I did! It was an incredible experience…
@@closeup6263 Hehe glad you like. Our French Anthem "la Marseillaise" is mostly likely a Revolutionnary War Song.
Thanks for doing this classic movie. One thing you'll learn to appreciate about black and white films as you delve more into them is the cinematography and use of light and shadow.👍👍
it is said that b & w teaches a different visual technique- an emphasis on texture, 3 dimensionality, light and shadow. Jt also emphasizes character, writing and dialog- all of those have to begood because there is no spectacular color to distract.
There is a reason that Casablance is usually in the top 3 of the best movies ever. Every scene works, every actor is perfect for their role.
“I’m shocked! Shocked that gambling is going on here!”
“Here are your winnings sir”
“Oh thank you very much”
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Many of the people who sang "La Marseillaise" in the café were French refugees. The tears they cry are real.
And so were mine, everytime i see thay part.
@@thomastimlin1724 You speak for many of us Thomas. There are few things that moves this dour Scotsman to tears. That scene never fails.
Can you imagine free French watching this movie at the time? They must have jumped to their feet during the French anthem.
@@hebber1961 No doubt about that I'm sure. Never thought of that before.
And there was still a risk that US would reach some kind of a deal with Hitler, and they would end up deported. They quite literally risked their lives. And that scene was such a beautiful "fuck you" to Nazis.
Black and white movies are beautiful - an art form in is own right.
During the battle of the French and German Anthems in Rick's bar, many of the extras were actual refugees from Nazi occupied France. Singing the French National Anthem during that scene was very emotional for them all.
I'm so glad that you appreciated the positive male representation in Rick's character, but I find Victor just as impressive. Not only is he an amazing revolutionary leader, but he was humble enough to give his blessing for his wife to be with another man if it meant she could be happy. Great reaction! Thanks for sharing with us 😊
I never noticed Louis tossing the Vichy water before. So symbolic
Same.
Many film critics and movie historians believe that the script for Casablanca is the greatest ever. I feel heartened that a young person doesn't think old B &W movies are "corny", whatever that means. Greatness endures. I have had conversations with filmgoers much younger than myself, who tried to watch Casablanca, or Citizen Kane and gave up, because they thought they were too slow. In part, those films were great because they took their time and because the writing was so good. Thanks for watching it and thank you for your commentary. First rate!
Regarding your first sentence, not just the script, but the film overall.
Greatest movie of all time...acting, writing, directing, cinematography, all perfect!
As has been mentioned already in these comments, the movie was filmed while WWII was still going on. In fact, it filmed early in the war (in May 1942), when the Nazis were at the peak of their power in Europe, France was subject to Nazi occupation and domination, and D-Day was over two years away.
Add to that what Denny Dowling already said: "Many of the people who sang "La Marseillaise" in the café were French refugees. The tears they cry are real." One of those real-life refugees was Madeleine Lebeau, the woman who plays Yvonne, who screams "Vive la France!" with tears streaming down her face as the song ends. Just typing this brings me to tears.
Add to that, at the very end of the film, as Rick and Louis walk off, “La Marseillaise” plays triumphantly, leaving the 1942 viewers with the sound of French triumph in their ears, even as France remains under Nazi control and its future remains unknown.
Amazing film.
Do you know that most of the extras and smaller roles were filled by real refugee actors? What a movie! What a time! And when it came out, in 1942, we didn't even know how the war would end!
Calling this movie a CLASSIC is an understatement. There are so many more great movies from this era.
Movies like this give me hope that we really don't change as humans from generation to generation. A great movie then should be a great movie today.
One of the Great movies. It stands the rest of time.
The friendship between Rick and Sam was unique for this time in films.
Ilsa admired and loved her husband Lazzlo while she loved Rick in a passionate romantic way.
The acting is totally on point.
Casablanca has 6 of the AFI's 100 most famous movie quotes and there are many more besides those that are classic as well. I wish you hadn't left out Captain Renault's retort when Rick says he has his gun pointed at his heart: "That is my least vulnerable spot."
Sorry Denny, I had to remove that part due to the copyright claim. I’ll post all the movies on my Patreon.
Or: “Your secret will be safe with me.”
Here's looking at you kid
The fewer spoilers, the better.
Reminds me of the Woody Allen quote about his brain being his second favorite organ!
At the end of the day, I think "Casablanca" is about being a grown-up, handling impossible situations in an adult manner. Rick, Lazlo, and Ilsa are people we can all look up to and try to imitate. Oh and the French guy too! :)
At the end of the fourth Harry Potter movie Dumbledore says something profound to Harry which applies to this story:
*_"We will have to decide between what is RIGHT and what is EASY."_*
@@Muck006 "What is easy is not always right. What is right is not always easy."
Who's the French guy???
@@josephciolino2865 The guy Bogie walks off with at the end. "Beautiful friendship" etc. I forget his name
@@classiclife7204 Capt. Renault. Thanks.
This is my absolute favorite movie. Period. It is considered the peak of the old studio system of film production. I'm thrilled to see people still enjoying it. Some info that hopefully makes it hit harder on a behind the scenes level: Peter Lorre (Ugarte), star of monumentally influential German film "M," SZ Sakall (Carl), Paul Henreid (Laszlo), Marcel Dalio (Emil), and Curt Bois (pickpoet) were all Jews who fled France, Austria, Germany, or Hungary. Marcel Dalio and his wife Madeleine Lebeau (Yvonne) fled Paris at the time of the occupation and even made their way through Lisbon to America. Helmut Dantine (Bulgarian with excellent "luck" at the roulette wheel) was involved in the anti-Nazi movement in Austria had even been in a concentration camp for a time. Ingrid Bergman (Ilsa) had moved to Berlin where a slate of films had been arranged to shoot her to superstardom there. She returned to Sweden because she quickly learned she'd have to cozy up with Nazis to do so. Conrad Veidt (Maj. Strasser), who was a bonafide movie star in Germany, fled to protect his Jewish wife. He even later went on to donate a huge chunk of his fortune to the British Army to fight the Nazis (he went to London before Hollywood). Even many who were involved in the film who hadn't fled from the Nazis, including composer Max Steiner and director Michael Curtiz, were of immigrants of Austro-Hungarian Jewish heritage.
Michael Curtiz has been called 'the best director you never heard of'. He directed many classic films, including 'The Adventures of Robin Hood' starring Errol Flynn. 'Csasblanca' is the source of many great lines, like 'Round up the usual suspects'; 'I'm just a poor corrupt police official',;'Play it again, Sam' (actually a misquote); 'Of all the bars in all the towns in all the world, she has to walk into mine'; and the ever-popular 'I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship'. Little details say more than words, especially with Louis drops the bottle of Vichy water into the trash. This is one of the greatest films of all time, and I'm glad you enjoyed it. If you'd like to see more Ingrid Bergman, I recommend the 1974 'Murder on the Orient Express'. By that time, she had spent so much time in America she needed a dialog coach to regain her natural Swedish accent!! LOL!!
One of the finest movies ever put to film. Even if you don't like B&W or this type of movie, it has enough of everything in it for everyone that it is a rare person who doesn't come away from a viewing liking it at least a little.
My favorite movie of all time. I've watched it 50 times or more. Never gets old, never feels dated. A somewhat accidental triumph of the old studio system. There are documentaries about it here on YT.
The best movie of all time.
Humphrey Bogart was a giant Hollywood star in the late thirties and forties…into the early fifties. He died mid fifties from lung cancer. He co-starred with many of the top tier of actresses , including here the gorgeous snd gifted Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman. He married a very young Lauren Bacall whom he met when making the movie To Have and Have Not…also a great film made during WWII.
Other than Casablanca, I think his most famous movies are The Maltese Falcon (black and white) and The African Queen (color) in which his co-star was the great actress Katherine Hepburn. Bogart is an actor that you will want to watch in many films…always charismatic
1952's b&w "Deadline USA" with Humphrey Bogart as an NYC newspaper editor is in my view arguably the best journalism film ever.
@@alfredroberthogan5426 never heard of it. I’ll seek it out…..thanks!
I hope that now you can see the beauty of black and white photography. It is its own art form rather than simply the absence of color, and many--some might even say most--of the greatest films ever made are in black and white. The fact that so many people these days reach adulthood without ever having seen one is almost inconceivable. For another great Bogart film, I would highly recommend the classic THE MALTESE FALCON, one of the most perfect films ever made.
It's great to see younger audiences appreciating older films.
It's all too easy to foget that there are many good old films.
"12 Angry Men" (1957) is my favourite black and white film. A classic.
One of the so called "classics" that deserves to be a called a classic. Go.. almost 80 years and it still slaps.
The reason is simple: the STORY carries the weight ... instead of CGI.
I'm so glad you found this incredible movie. I've seen it at least 100 times and it still brings me to tears. The battle of the anthems still brings me out of my seat. In my opinion, the best movie ever made. Thanks for reacting to it.
What a film and actor (Bogart) to be your first B&W experience!! There's a LOT of cinema gold in those of the 30s, 40s, 50s etc. B&W or color. My mom was 11 when Casablanca came out here in the US, saw it with my grandmother and they both told me the audience was very excited, cheering and applauding a lot, at certain scenes. There was a lot of anxiety as my grandfathers and several great uncles were in the war. My grandma and mom said (@ 31:00) when Louis told his men to "Round up the usual suspects" while giving Rick that certain look brought the fucking house down!! LOL!
I scrolled thru the comments and reading the other's movies suggestions, I can say I second everyone of them for you! An addition to theirs and for the best fantasy of that era do "The Wizard of Oz" (1939). Suggest doing the "It's A Wonderful Life" movie for the christmas season. Another suggestion I didn't see is "12 Angry Men" (1957). Definitely do that one soon!! Please don't research the Wizard of Oz or the other suggestions as you and your viewers will like them, and we just don't want you to get any spoilers reading about them first.
At 1:42 Look up 'Marshal Philippe Petain' whose poster the Free French guy was murdered under by the fascists to see the irony in that scene. His quote translates to: "I keep my promises, even those of other people". @ 8:49 The symbol on Berger's ring is the 'Cross of Lorraine' which was not only the symbol of 'Joan of Arc', but also used as a symbol for the Free French during WWII. @ 22:47 This is one of those scenes that also caused the audience to erupt in applause and cheers! Wasn't it cool that the Czechoslovakian Victor Laslo not only inspired the beaten down French into singing their national anthem, but he knew their anthem very well himself? And Rick gave his band the okay nod to do it!! Though I've seen this movie countless times, that scene really gets me! Casablanca is known for several iconic lines such as: "Here's lookin' at you kid", "Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, and she walks into mine", and "We'll always have Paris".
When you get around to doing The Maltese Falcon (made a year earlier) you'll notice two Casablanca actors in there too, Peter Lorre and Sidney Greenstreet who were paired up for several excellent movies together in their careers. Enjoyed watching this classic with you. ✌️😎
And the dialog also has some of the best comedic undertones mixed in with the serious notes. Possibly one of the best put down lines ever written : "You despise me, don't you Rick?" "I don't know, if I gave any thought to you I probably would."
Thanks for all that info one of my favorite movies also I read that the scene during the singing of the Frenth National anthem and they were all crying those are real tears
@@ripsaa2693 You're welcome. Oh yes, true tears. As you know with Madeleine LeBeau's real tears here at 22:58. She, and many others in Rick's club, escaped France in 1940 and made her way to the US. And a shout-out to Conrad Veidt playing Major Strasser too. His is an intriguing story of escape as well.
Saw this movie in the late 80's, and has never left my list of top 3 films. Doubt it'll even come close to being replaced.
I love this movie. I appreciate your reaction. You understood the essence. Greatest movie of all time.
I am so glad that you watched this and now understand some historical reference to Great Films. B&W does not mean "old" or corny, there are so many early films that have never been bested even with large screen/color/special effects. Films such as M or Mad Love w/Peter Lorre, Gaslight with Ingrid Bergman, The Invisible Man w/Claude Rains or The Maltese Falcon with Humphry Bogart for these same actors. Harvey or Arsenic and Old Lace for comedy, Them or The Day the Earth Stood Still for science fiction. And that is just the tip of the iceberg. A good script is the basis for a great movie not necessarily the flash and special effects.
You're absolutely right, Jeff. I love black and white films and as you say, the script is the thing. One of the funniest films I've seen is one you've just mentioned - Arsenic and Old Lace. A real classic and Cary Grant is just brilliant in it, I really want to watch it again! The other films you mention too are all so familiar and so good. And of course there are just so many more great b&w films out there. I love the James Cagney gangster films (White Heat, The Roaring Twenties etc) and the old British war films too (In Which We Serve, The Cruel Sea, The Dambusters) to name but three.
I absolutely love Cary Grant in Arsenic and Old Lace!
The Thin Man series of movies are amazing
@@annemaclean6634 Cary Grant was brilliant in just abt. everything. Waaay underrated as an actor, by many who are distracted by his looks. n Because he makes it look so easy.
Yeah, it seems like there's been a long trend toward prioritizing visual effects over story (or simply trying to recapture a great story through remakes) which is a regrettable loss.
You're review is spot on! There are so many great movies, but Casablanca stands alone as the greatest of all-time.
If you want to see Humphrey Bogart’s breakthrough movie that made him a star, you should try The Maltese Falcon. It’s the greatest detective movie of all time.
My love for Casablanca is life-long. But my favorite movie of all time is The Maltese Falcon. Three of the major stars of Casablanca (Bogart, Sidney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre) are also in Maltese Falcon, and then there are three from THAT movie that are together again in Across The Pacific (Bogart, Greenstreet and Mary Astor). That one is also worth watching, but it's a comedy so not as deep as these other two.
Welcome to the world of black and white magic, where shadows are often the uncredited co-stars. That's certainly the case with Maltese Falcon. Early film noir.
Personally, I prefer The Big Sleep. Phillip Marlowe is a better character than Sam Spade in my opinion.
@@jakubfabisiak9810 Must agree to disagree. That said, both are excellent movies.
@@jakubfabisiak9810 I like the Big Sleep better, but Sam Spade is the coolest SOB who ever lived, 😎👍
The Maltese Falcon is brilliant and one of my all time favorite films but I believe that Humphry Bogart's breakout film was The Petrified Forest (1936) where he played Duke Mantee opposite Leslie Howard. They'd played opposite each other to critical success in the Broadway version of the play and Leslie Howard, who was a bit star at the time and owned the production rights for The Petrified Forest, wanted the relatively unknown Humphry Bogart to reprise his role in the film version. Warner Brothers wanted to cast Edward G Robinson, who also was a big star, for Duke Mantee instead and had put the wheels in motion to have Bogart replaced.
Leslie Howard got wind of it and sent a telegram to Warner Brothers;
"Att: Jack Warner Insist Bogart Play Mantee No Bogart No Deal L.H."
Bogart got the role and he never forgot what Leslie Howard did for him.
Humphry Bogart's only daughter's name is Leslie Howard Bogart.
This is the best written movie I've ever seen. A lot of the classics have incredible dialogue because it was a necessity then, they didn't have the special effects to carry films with huge action sequences. The Story as told by the characters had to be compelling for the audience. But among classics Casablanca stands apart because of the circumstances. Lots of the cast were actual exiles from Europe during the war when this was filmed. The pain and emotion you see on their faces is absolutely real, they are feeling every bit of these moments. Conrad Veidt who played the Nazi Major Strassor was in fact an Anti-Nazi German Actor He was married to a Jewish woman and when Goebbels circulated a racial questionnaire among German Actors Veidt defiantly wrote his race as Jewish even though technically he was not. Fleeing the Nazi's for England where he was in several films he eventually made his way to America and Hollywood. Realizing that at the time he would likely be typecast playing Nazi roles he insisted they must all be villains and in particular for Casablanca insisted the character of Major Strassor should have no redeeming qualities at all. He remained anit-nazi and a supporter of the allies until his death by heart attack in 1943. Veidt was also something of a feminist in that he stated publicly that he believed women were perfectly capable of genius in many of the fields of work dominated by men and should be appreciated as such. That's just one of the many outstanding personages in this film and others of the era. Glad to see you taking a look back to the classics.
What a wonderful, sensitive review of this movie. It is so nice to see someone in your generation who is attentive and allows the texture of the movie to weave its spell. Thanks for the review. Very nice.
I really enjoyed your review! This is one of the all time classics of the Hollywood Golden Age. I really hope that you will watch some more film classics from the 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's. You're right, the writing and dialogue is at a completely different level from most of what is done today. I would love to see you review Sunset Blvd., All About Eve, Hud, North by Northwest, The Philadelphia Story, Key Largo, Rear Window, The Maltese Falcon, A Streetcar Named Desire, and many others!
Don't forget the original 1933 King Kong too!
@@minnesotajones261 it's something how times and attitudes change. My kids saw King Kong when they were grammar school aged and they felt bad for Kong. No scares!
Aren’t you supposed to be sorry for Kong? And scared for Ann? Kong was treated badly.
It takes class to recognize class.
Nice reaction, sir.
Here's a brilliant film from the '60s, "The Lion In Winter." It's got a cast of legends, and takes place at Christmas time. I don't want to spoil it by saying too much about it, but I will say, it's not about African wildlife.
Has one of the greatest lines Katherine Hepburn ever spoke. Kudos to the director for not asking for a retake and for leaving it in
I didn't like it nearly as much as "Beckett".
@@theresefotiou7097 I haven't had the pleasure of seeing that one, though I've heard it's excellent.
This is considered one of the best movies ever made by many people. There are a great many other black and white movies that are very worth watching and I hope you'll consider watching more. These are some of my favorites: Witess for the Prosecution, Sunset Boulevard, To Kill a Mockingbird, Citizen Kane, It's a Wonderful Life, and 12 Angry Men.
All good suggestions
✔✔✔✔✔✔: I stand by these choices with what little reputation I supposedly have...🤗😉
Always makes me wonder why the issue of Black and White vs. color movies is even a criteria for people to pre-judge movie. What is always the first words out of their mouth when the movie starts, with a tone of disappointment in their voice ? "Oh [or "eeeoooo!"]...it's in black and white." What a laugh, like they just stepped in doggie doo. How stupid.
GREAT suggestions
Aaaw glad you mention Witness for the Prosecution ❤️
My 2nd favorite movie ever. I don't know how many times I have seen it. A love story with a very historical setting. And the acting. All the great lines. Awesome.
That's one of the best films ever made that I love so much. I never get tired of watching it.
Great reaction George. This was how I felt the first time I watched this movie. The movie lasted 1 hour 30 minutes but it felt like 30 minutes long because I was so engrossed in it. Real people displaying real emotions having proper grown up conversations with Rick at the end being so selfless and mature. Beautiful film.
🎫Bogart was one of the icons of my youth. Casablanca is Bogart's #1 most identifiable film. If you enjoyed his acting and his over-all presence as a star, you'll love these:
📽The Maltese Falcon '41
📽Key Largo '48 🎭Lauren Bacall was his wife
📽The Treasure of the Sierra Madre '48
📽The Big Sleep '46
📽The African Queen '51
🎫I guarantee you'll love them as much as "Casablanca". And there are many more...
...Enjoy!🍿😉
Also, one I normally wouldn't have been interested in---"Caine Mutiny". But Humphrey Bogart's performance was so 'chilling', it 'made' the movie!
@@theresefotiou7097 📽1st, ...I'm embarrased to say, I haven't seen it yet! ...Will get right on it! However, I beg to differ. Those are kinds of performances that shows you what an actor is made of, ...their craft. It's why every time I recommend Bogart films, I always include "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" '48, for the same such reasons. Bogart gives a masterclass in acting. The nuances of his performance tell you more about "Dobbs" than anything else he's saying.
📽It blew me away! Up until then I largely viewed Bogart as an actor who took advantage of a cool, marketable persona and my cousin always knew it. She was the one who sat me down and watched me watch "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre". She just loved how my awestruck I was. So I mean it when I say, "will get right on it", with regard to "The Caine Mutiny" '54.
...Thanks.😘
@@Zarkarian64 Yeah, Thx to you too, bc. I don't think I ever saw "The Treasure of Sierra Madre". Will get 'right on that too, when I can find it. Also. I wonder, is it on"You Tube" or some other online site?
And his death was a really serious loss to 'acting', and the movies.
It has been, is and always will be my favorite of all time. Nothing approaches it imo. Im only 56 years old and first saw this at age 12 and was overwhelmed. I never turn it off when it comes on. I loved your reaction as it mirrored mine at 12. Great job.
If you liked Casablanca, try watching The Maltese Falcon (1941), and The Big Sleep (1946) - two Bogart classics. Also, 12 Angry Men (1957) with Henry Fonda - it is rated #5 on IMDB's list of top-rated films of all time.
Treasure of the Sierra Madre!!
Key Largo.
To Have and Have Not.
Casablanca is such a fantastic film, one of my all time favourites, I have it on DVD and I've watched it many times over the years. Always in tears or choked up at the end, guaranteed! Humphrey Bogart is so super cool in the role of Rick Blaine ('everyone comes to Ricks!') and the whole cast are wonderful. I adore black and white films, there's just something about them, there's so much atmosphere as you say, George, I just love it. You can really feel the desperation of these people trying to leave Casablanca, selling anything of value they've got. Thanks so much for reacting to this amazing film, George, and I'm so glad you enjoyed it. As you say, the writing is tremendous, the acting outstanding (so much feeling, so much expression, just wonderful) and the film stands the test of time because it's just so good. Other favourite black and white Bogart films that you might like to react to are The Maltese Falcon and a couple of films he was in with James Cagney (gangster films) Angels with Dirty Faces and The Roaring Twenties - all fabulous films, so much atmosphere, watched them many times.
‘Casablanca’ is renowned and is justly acknowledged as one of the most romantic films of all time but it is much more than the tale of a love triangle. Of course, it shows that the power of love can affect the human psyche, as demonstrated by Rick’s metamorphosis.
Made in the bleakest times of WW2, this film has so many levels to it that it takes many viewings to appreciate them. The main theme is not romance but self-sacrifice as the film’s message to the world at war is to give up the personal agenda for the common cause. It reminds wartime audiences, many of whom have loved ones fighting abroad, that their situation is the same as that of Rick, Ilsa and Victor.
The screenplay is so intelligently written. It is a masterpiece of complexity, containing subliminal political opinions and messages all carried along on a thrilling plot with brilliant one-liners and memorable quotes, together with comedic elements and contemporary, social commentaries. Basically, the film is politically motivated because it is a plea to America to join the war. Please note that the action takes place in pre-Pearl Harbour, December, 1941.
This is the the first non-musical movie to use music almost as an another protagonist, (which Tarantino does now). For example, ‘As Time Goes By’ is a valuable recurring theme and, in Paris, Rick and Ilsa dance to ‘Perfidia’ which means untrustworthiness. Also, ‘Love for Sale’ is played during the dialogue when the Bulgarian girl tells Rick about her ‘offer’ from Renault.
Michael Curtiz’s direction is multi-faceted: Documentary, Film Noir, German Expressionism, Flashback etc. He is the master of creating the plot via seamlessly connecting a series of rapid-fire vignettes.
There is subtle direction and cinematography. For example, Ilsa wears black and white clothes and is cast in shadows and in a mirror which symbolise the ambiguity of her role.
POINTS OF INTEREST AND NOTES FOR SUBSEQUENT VIEWINGS.
Rick’s initial selfishness, (‘I stick my neck out for nobody’ and ‘the problems of the world are not in my department…’), are metaphors for USA indifference. It must be remembered that the events and politics are hard to comprehend and put into perspective for current audiences than for those living through WW2, not knowing who the victors would be.
The script can be considered as a 'State of the Union' address, both for home and foreign policies, in which there are references to Civil Rights, as embodied in Sam and, of course, the debate about America’s involvement in the conflict.
Each character represents a country e.g. Two Japanese plotting; the Italian on the tail of the German; American indifference; French collaborators; the British robbed by foreign policy. Even the Balkan problem , (still ongoing), are mentioned via the Bulgarian couple. Quite evidently, Rick’s actions symbolise the USA in its change in policy from isolationism to participation and ‘….the beginning of a beautiful friendship…’ is the USA and Europe joining forces to fight Nazism.
The significance of Letters of Transit is a metaphor for the might of America’s power and resources and must be delivered to the right side.
The ‘La Marseillaise’ scene is the pivotal moment in which both Ilsa and Rick realise that saving Victor is more important than their own personal relationship. It also comes in just as Rick and Victor are about to argue over Ilsa but both drop the issue when they hear the music. This scene is rousing now but imagine how it must have felt for audiences right in the middle of the war when Germany seemed invincible and modern viewers need to put it in perspective in terms of world events full of Nazi and Japanese domination and when the outcome looked very bleak.
The facial close-ups used throughout the film speak a thousand words: but particularly note Ilsa during ‘La Marseillaise’ when her expressions show her admiration of Victor’s power and her realisation that this must be preserved at all costs.
POINTS TO WATCH
‘It’s December, 1941 in Casablanca: what time is it in New York?...
I bet they are asleep all over America’. PEARL HARBOUR
‘Even Nazis can’t kill that fast’
CONCENTRATION CAMPS
‘I don’t buy or sell human beings..’
CIVIL RIGHTS
In any case... there is so much alcohol!!!! On this note, please watch out for glasses knocked over and glasses set upright…
The Bulgarian couple keep appearing many times as symbols of hope and determination.
In the bar room fight over Yvonne, Rick attacks the German only and not the Frenchman.
Captain Renault dumps the bottle of Vichy water to represent his rejection of the Nazi- collaborating French Government which was located in Vichy.
Just one example of the excellent and complex scriptwriting occurs immediately after the roulette scene. The girl thanks Rick for letting her husband win and Rick replies, ‘He’s just a lucky guy’, which, on the face of it, refers to the gambling, but, in Rick’s mind, means that the husband is ‘lucky’ because his partner truly loves him.
Please imagine what hope the dialogue must have projected when Ilsa states that she’ll wear the blue dress again when Paris is liberated.
The quotes from the film are now embedded in popular culture and are mostly said by Rick. However, Captain Renault has some of the best lines: e.g. when asking Rick why he had to leave America, he says, ‘I’d like to think you killed a man: it’s the romantic in me’ ; a gunshot to his heart would be his ‘..least vulnerable part..’; when told where the Letters of Transit were hidden in the piano, ‘’…it’s my fault for not being musical…’: on making the bet with Rick, …’make it 10,000 - I’m only a poor corrupt official…’
I love your enthusiastic reaction! It's interesting that so many young people will be worried that they're watching a black and white movie, yet when it's a movie like this, they just forget all about that because they're so drawn into the story. It's really not that important, when the art is at this level.
Beautiful movie. Timeless. An excelent example of a masterpiece in cinema
Most of the best films ever made were in b&w IMO… try Twelve Angry Men, Notorious, Now Voyager…
I couldn't agree more! All three of these movies are perfection. I watched Notorious for the first time when I was 20 and fell madly in love with Cary Grant. Actually, I think it may be his most romantic role---there's no humor to break the scenes up like so many of his other films. This has Ingrid Bergman, too, who I think has to be the most beautiful woman in front of a camera, ever.
I remember showing this film to my best friend at the time and he said, "This is about a busted relationship---from the man's point of view!" Great movie, and no one knew how it would end until the last days of shooting.
I’m just now finding your channel and this is my first review video from you. I rewatched Casablanca last night for the XXth time. If you are like most of us, one viewing isn’t enough to catch all the subtlety and nuances peppered throughout the movie. The facial expressions especially of Bogart and Dooley (Sam) convey such feeling. When Bogie marches over to Sam and says “I thought I told you never to play…” and Sam nods over his shoulder, the absolute sick look on Bogart’s face speaks volumes. He looks like his heart just fell out on the floor. The way Ingrid Bergman looks at him with such love in their scene above the bar and at the airport are something with which we never see her look at her husband. Everyone was invested in their parts. No one phoned in their role. Even Shasha the Russian bartender sells it!
This movie consistently ranks number 2 in top movie polls only behind Citizen Kane as the GOAT. Personally, it’s my #1.
It isn't so much that they don't make movies like this anymore. It's more like they can't.
The dialogue, the characters, the performances & story itself. Masterful. I don't want to ever see this in color. The B&W adds the charm.
Captain Renault is Claude Rains -- the original "Invisible Man," & Professor Challenger in the 1960 film "The Lost World."
Singers still cover the song "As Time Goes By," to this day.
Michael Curtiz who directed this also directed Bogart in "We're No Angels," & Elvis Presley in "King Creole." There's some valuable trivia.
Hey, just discovered this channel and I'm very happy about it. I enjoy a handful of movie reaction channels, but one peeve I have is that most talk all over the movie to the point where you aren't experiencing much of the movie. You let us enjoy what you're reacting to. I watch reaction channels to sort of re-experience the first time WE saw it. You show your reactions without 2 minute rambles that make me think "Okay, but you're missing three great moments here". I got the best balance ever watching this. Nice.
Fun fact : this Masterpiece is about to turn 80 years young in 2022 .
Thank you so much for posting this reaction! Always love watching this and enjoyed your comments at the end…✈️
I’m glad you loved the movie so much. You’re editing really brought out the beauty of the writing.
Your first black&white movie is a classic and a masterpiece. Great choice!
It was so amazing to watch someone have the EXACT SAME REACTION I had when I first saw this film in the 1980's. It is honestly the entire reason I became a writer. So, not Rambo, or Terminator, but THIS is what being a man is? Life is complicated; friendship isn't.
Your reactions are always so genuine. You remain speechless but your eyes express everything you're feeling.
“Pure class!”…..yep!!!!
Get’s better with repeat viewing
They did a HUGE amount of writing and re-writing of the script, even on a daily basis during the filming of this movie. There were top management meetings on only a phrase or line of discussion. Multiple script writers were working on it.
There are literally 1,000 Black and White Films you need to see .... in every genre!
That French national anthem scene gets me every time
Everyone misses the fact that Ilsa pulls a complete Han Solo on Laslo when he says to her, I love you, and she replies with, I know.
You mean Star War writers lifted it from Casablanca!
You are right. This is a perfect movie almost every piece of dialogue goes to plot. I really appreciated your review. Thanks for viewing an 80 year old movie. So many younger people assume old things aren't worth bothering with.
It has been fascinating and deeply moving to watch you and other first timers be brought into this wonderful film. One thing you will notice when you return to watch it again - and you will - is how, even though you now know the main story lines, it retains its freshness and hold on you and brings out the of best emotions in you. Thank you for being willing to share.
One of the greatest movies of all time.
Deeply value your appreciation and admiration, your respect and regard, for this iconic film masterpiece for the ages. I keep finding new intriguing details every time that I again see 1942s "Casablanca"!!
GREAT Movie indeed!! Thank you!! Great Reaction; accurate review!!
If this film did not bring tears to your eyes, you have no soul...
Great reaction! If you want to try what's many consider the best B&W movie ever I cannot recommend more highly Billy Wilder's 'Sunset Boulevard' which is a Gothic Noir masterpeice with so many great themes, great writing, liquid gold voice-over and so many real life movie-making references giving it so much depth - the movie opening with an epic shot that is never forgotten! For the best comedy ever (according to movie critics for many years) it is again director Billy Wilder with 'Some Like It Hot' with Marilyn Monroe - B&W again, fab story, memorable lines and hilarious characters!
A true classic movie. Great writing and acting , and so was your reaction.
"the adventures of robin hood" with errol flynn is another one of those with great dialogue and funny too
Thank you for sharing your FTR. I am heartened to hear your appreciation of this movie. No apologies for not talking through the dialogue - you are right, there is so much to take in and you would have missed something. I look forward to sharing more movies in the future.
Great reaction! I love how you don’t talk all the time. You really pay attention and enjoyed the dialogue. The writing and storylines in older films are superb, because that’s all they had to work with, unlike heavy special effects in today’s movies.
Hope you react to other classic films - have you watched any Hitchcock? North by Northwest, Notorious, Rear Window… Other great directors include William Wyler, John Huston, Howard Hawks, Billy Wilder… check them out!
Really enjoyed watching your reaction, I like that you don’t talk all over it, like most reactors. As a viewer, we get to watch the best bits of the movie.
I agree. Casablanca is so perfect. Please watch The African Queen. Another Humphrey Bogart classic, but with Katherine Hepburn. Also set in Africa, but totally different. It has everything. Sad, funny, adventure, greatest casting, script, etc.
Another drama classic that many people overlook is "Ordinary People" (1980). Multiple Academy Awards. You will be astonished at the level of quality on multiple dimensions. Great film.
Thank you, George! _Casablanca_ is truly epic, and it was pure chance that everything came together as it did in a run-of-the-mill studio production...lightning in a bottle. By the way, you have mad editing skills!
Considered in the top 5 movies ever made. At the time it was just one of many movies put out that year with no idea of what it was to become. Afterwards, Hollywood cranked out copies with similar plot devices and characters but they never came close to this ever again.
Great reaction! I love the older films. I usually watch Casablanca at least once a year and never get tired of it. I just found your channel a couple weeks ago and I'm impressed. You get it. 👍
Casablanca is definitely a classic movie directed by the great Michael Curtiz. Humphrey Bogart is considered one of if not the greatest actor ever. Other movies with him to consider are:
1941 The Maltese Falcon
1946 The Big Sleep
1948 Key Largo
1950 In A Lonely Place
1954 The Caine Mutiny
1955 The Desperate Hours
Great reaction too.
This is a perfect film. What is even more astounding about this film is that it was both made and released well prior to the conclusion of the second world war. If you are interested in exploring what might have been a sequel to this extraordinary film, I can very exuberantly recommend the novel "AS TIME GOES BY: A NOVEL OF CASABLANCA", by Michael Walsh.
Classic Humphrey Bogart. Check out Mildred Pierce with Joan Crawford. Classic. Thanks for enjoying the film.
Such a beautiful movie, and the dialogue and humorous quips are marvellous. I so miss this in this day of computer games and the absence of literature and imagination in our lives. Love is love is love. 💞
the ironic part is that this movie was basically "churned out" and wasn't meant to be anything special. the way they were making movies at the time, it was like an assembly line, in a manner of speaking. it was an instant hit and has become one of the best movies of all time. (you have 1.13 subs and there are 113 comments as i write this) :)
Thank you!! You're right!! Amazing!!!
And I knew it as a kid, how good this movie was. I saw it on TV when I was 14 YO in 1974 and it was great! Then about a year later I was looking at the upcoming TV schedule and saw it would be on on Saturday at 2PM, I made sure I had a great joint rolled so I could watch it stoned. Cause I knew I wanted to watch it that way.
This movie holds up. I may have seen it a dozen times and I still am enthralled by every frame, every look, every line of dialogue. Some other old masterpieces you'll be amazed by:
The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) - the first fully color live action movie still looks better than many released today, and is still one of the best adventure movies
12 Angry Men - all takes place in one room but takes you on a grand tour of human emotion and reasoning
The Philadelphia Story - one of the sharpest and funniest stories about marriage, divorce, and having compassion for human weakness
The Thin Man (and its sequels) - fun murder mysteries featuring one of the most wholesomely married couples in the movies, who also happen to be absurdly clever and charming
Citizen Kane - one of the greatest movies ever, a look at fame, greed, and ambition. Dark but more entertaining than it sounds.
Ben-Hur - the greatest biblical epic, and one of the greatest stories about revenge and forgiveness. Plus the spectacle on display is off the charts.
Spartacus - more spectacle and passion in ancient Rome, extremely well done. An early Stanley Kubrick film
The Magnificent Seven - a very fun Western with one of the coolest ensemble casts.
One of my top 5 movies. 🥰
You loved my all time favorite movie as much as I do! You can watch thls movie again and again and will find 1000 other great things about it. Every character is special...every performance, impeccable....every line of dialogue, epic. And there are no words for Humphrey Bogart. He is truly a legend! Thank you for your heartfelt reaction! It made my day! ❤
This is my favorite movie by far. As you say, the character and values it shows is superb. And it does it without hitting you over the head with it. Such a confluence of emotions...duty...love...all set within the maelstrom of World War 2. So glad to see you liked it so much. Your comments were perfect. Here's looking at you kid....
This movie is over 80 years old, it has yet to be surpassed!
I know that most people now think all the new movies are great but things like this are way above them.
Screenwriters during that era were literate. See "The Thin Man" series. See films by director Frank Capra.
Just like others have said, I love it when a young person discovers just how good the classics are. As far as your comment about the writing, you are correct. Movies now just aren’t written like the classics. The writing now is lazy. It’s like they can’t think of anything so they throw in a bunch of “F” words like it’s supposed to sound edgy and hip or something when it just sounds ignorant and trashy.
Many of the crew, and their extended families, as well as many of the cast, and their extended families, were refugees from numerous countries that the Nazis had invaded. This made the scene where they sing La Marseillaise a very emotional event for everyone involved.
The large picture painted on the wall at the beginning is Marshall Petain, the head of the French government that cooperated with the Germans. So, not Hitler but an ally of his.
Loved your reaction to one of my favorite movies! Everything about it is so epic. Thank you for the appreciation of the turbulent, complicated time in history, your love of the music, dialogue, and cinematic excellence. Another great Humphrey Bogart movie you should watch is The Maltese Falcon. It's another one with superb acting and dialogue.