Community Chat

[Oznell]

One of the great World War II movies debuted 82 years ago this week-- "Casablanca".   82 years!

Something fascinating I never knew until now, about that acclaimed scene where "Victor Laszlo" ( Paul Henreid) insists that the nightclub orchestra play the French national anthem, to drown out the Nazis present.

Remember that electric moment?

Here's the little tidbit, according to cinephile Michael Warburton--  most of the extras in the scene were French expatriates.  So their crying and anguished expressions were very real. At that point, in 1942, the fate of France  (and of course all the Allies) was very much in question.

I guess there's a good historical reason I always get chills at that scene.

They're all so moving, but esp. love this young woman, singing through her tears:

And Bergman as "Ilsa", gazing with love at Victor, the freedom fighter taking yet another courageous risk--

[kaydee50]

My all time favorite movie.  And according to Ben on TCM, the best studio movie ever made.  IMO the best movie ever made.  And agree about that scene, extremely well done and didn't know that about the extras.  Never get tired of watching--great story, great actors, great music, great direction.

[Bookplate]

I agree about the perfection of the movie, and your headline "Vive La France" reminded me that Notre Dame's reconstruction was unveiled today.  I saw some video and it is truly breathtaking.  Five years, $900 million, and 2,000 very skilled workers.

[wilma]

One of our favorite movies! Lots of great scenes, memorable lines, and yes, even a bit of humor. 

[Sweet Kitties]

WOW! That is so interesting. Now I want to go back & see the film again. I'll probably start crying when I see that scene now!

[Oznell]

@Sweet Kitties ,  me too, I can never NOT have tears well up, upon seeing it, every single time. Even if I try not to!  It's a testament, as others have said, to the writing, the brilliant staging, the authentic acting, of the piece-- truly a scene, and film, that hits at a very real level...  

[SandySparkles]

Yesssssss! I can watch this iconic movie a hundred times, and NEVER tire of it!❤️ I have an affinity for film noir and this ranks amongst my favorites!🙂 It simply does not get any better than the brilliant pairing of Bogey and Bergman! They were golden together!🙂 

~~~All we need is LOVE💖

[Judaline]

Don't get me started on how much I loved this movie. Or should I say "Love" this movie because I watch it every time it's on and when it's not on and I get a 'hankerin' to watch it, I'll go to my recordings. I do the same thing with To Have and Have Not. Bogey reminds me of my dad-not his face (maybe the lips) and his clothes. He dresses just like him. As I said, don't get me started. (sorry)

@Oznell I love the little tid-bits. I wonder if the gal singing is an actress as she looks familiar?

[Group 5 minus 1]

Probably one of my fav movie scenes. Ron Reagan tested for the part of Rick.

[spiderw]

I fell in love with this movie the first time I saw it .  The scene mentioned, the singing of the French national anthem was and is still my favorite.  I never tire of that moving scene.  You could feel the emotions and know it came from the hearts of all who sang. There are some great lines in Casablanca. I have often said, Round up the usual suspects when it applies!!!!!!