By Tyler Ruth ’16

Of all the films in American history, “Casablanca” is arguably the most recognizable by name alone.  To many today, the film is known to be one of the greatest masterpieces of film in the last century.  The legends and rumors that surround the movie create so much buzz that it would seem almost impossible to actually meet the expectations this movie sets for itself, but that is not the case.  “Casablanca” lives up to its reputation of being one of the greatest movie experiences of all time.

Although the movie takes place during the time period of World War II, little background is needed to appreciate the true influence this movie has.  “Casablanca” takes place in Casablanca, Morocco in northern Africa right after the German invasion of France.  Ilsa, played by Ingrid Bergman, and her husband Victor Laszla (Paul Heinreid) walk into Rick’s Café while on the run from Nazis.  But, to Ilsa’s surprise, the bar that she has wandered into is actually owned by Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), her long lost true love.

As one can see, this creates some romantic tension, as Ilsa already has a husband with whom she is trying to escape with to the United States, but now she has met her one true love, but for some undisclosed reason he cannot return to the US, where he’s from, with Ilsa.

Bogart and Bergman both are unbelievably good actors.  Whenever they see one each other, it’s easy to forget that one is watching a movie and not a relationship in real life, as sparks fly whenever they’re in the same room.  Rick Blaine is supposed to be a tough, straight-faced man, but when he talks to Ilsa she breaks away at his many layers of sarcasm to reveal a complex personality.  This also reveals Bogart’s true acting chops as throughout the movie the viewer sees a progressively more emotional Rick.  Bergman and Bogart bounce dialogue off each other so perfectly and effortlessly that it is hard to envision any other actors in their parts.

Heinreid’s job of playing Ilsa’s lawful husband is not at the same level of Bogart and Bergman but it’s still a commendable job.  The German Captain played by Claude Rains, who is on the prowl for Ilsa and Victor, is one of the best supporting actors in a movie.  He approaches everything with a certain kind of wit and cleverness that gives the audience the comedic release they wane for whenever things get too tense.

Overall, “Casablanca” is a cream-of-the-crop, “they don’t make them like this anymore” kind of movie.  There’s a bitter-sweet ending which leaves the audience to make its own judgment and Hollywood doesn’t seem to do that anymore.  There are no crowd-pleasing tactics in this movie and that’s what makes it great.  It’s classic romantic story telling.