They seem to think this one is a “classic” film for all time. Is it? Can’t say it sucked. And honestly, it got me. It did. Strange to revisit a story of 1942 released in 1942 about the The Nastzis, and see some of the goings-ons and subterfuge and deals and movings of peoples around in a strange place with weird hookahs. And even though it’s old-school 4x3 black and white, It draws you right into that fuckin screen. Almost seems like, I dunno, that shit still be goings on?
World War Duece. The Shit, as some refer to it as. Lotsa people trying to escape the war-ravage countries over there in the Europes. They find a reliable escape route, down through France and across the Mediterranean and into Texas. Holy Shit! It that real? Well, no, but close. They gots to get to Casablanca first, basically a staging area, before they can then but passage to Lisbon to THEN get into Texas. Or Wherever USA-bound. If they have the money or the ‘talent’ to do it, they get passage. Even in 1942, this is a thing. Allegedly. Even though Casablanca is basically purgatory for a lots of peoples, they have Rick’s Cafe Americain, which is a hoppin joint with Sam on piano and drinks and gambling and...a lot of deals goings on the downlow. Owner Rick (Bogart), is indifferent. Dry. Humorous. Sharp. Takes no guff from the Swine, and they respect him for it. But inject some Natzis (who when asked his nationality, Rick prefectly replies “I’m a Drunkard.” Nice. Politics and past love interests intertwine from there-ons.
I guess ignorance can be bliss in some respects, I never watched many Humphrey Bogart movies so just see him more as a character versus actor here. And he does a great job with it. Ingrid Bergman plays the situation pretty well, torn between two paths. And then there’s that skeezy Lorre guy. Damn. Scamsters be scamstin. But this is a well-done story, interesting political underpinnings that can present a good lens in which to see the times. Well, maybe not so different given the overall narrative. But a decent drama regardless. And that Sam? Plays a fine piano, if I do say so myself. And even has a real Ska-like reply going on at one point, well done Sam. Well. Done. Because you know what? War is hell. Or purgatory, and people that knows just trying to find their way out.
