First Pair

Casablanca

Dir: Michael Curtiz
Orig Story: Murray Burnett, Joan Alison
Scrs: Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, Howard Koch
Prod Co: Warner Bros.
Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Peter Lorre, Claude Rains
1942 | B&W | Blu-ray | English | Chinese Subtitles | 102min

Casablanca is a cinematic landmark, with an iconic love triangle that inspires films in decades to come. Based on an unproduced stage play, the film is set during World War II. Rick (Humphrey Bogart) is an American who runs a nightclub in the Moroccan city Casablanca, a hub for European refugees on their way to the United States to flee war and the Nazis. A self-proclaimed drunkard, Rick is only interested in business and remains indifferent to everything including politics.

He unexpectedly reunites with former lover Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) and her husband Victor (Paul Henreid). Old feelings are rekindled, memories resurface, and they are forced to make difficult choices amidst wartime turmoil. Director Michael Curtiz delivers not only a poignant love story in wartime cinema but also a portrait of noble self-sacrifice for higher ideals.

The timeless classic is Bogart and Bergman’s only film together, and their chemistry is underscored by the 1931 song ‘As Time Goes By’ which becomes their love theme and an eternal love ballad. In the finale at the late-night airport farewell, their feelings are forever preserved in memories with the line ‘We’ll always have Paris.’

Images courtesy of Park Circus/Warner Bros.

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