Casablanca Premiered in New York on November 26, 1942, and It Still Feels Like a Miracle

Film still: unknown photographer, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Casablanca had its premiere in New York on November 26, 1942, with a wider release in January 1943. That is 84 years ago this month. Warner Bros. made it with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, and Michael Curtiz directing, and it went on to win the Oscar for Best Picture.

Photo: The Minneapolis Tribune, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

What fascinates me is that it was a studio production like many others. It was based on an unproduced play called Everybody Comes to Rick's, and the script was famously being finished as filming went on. The setting is Morocco, but it was shot on a Hollywood lot, with the Moroccan atmosphere created by sets and lighting.

Film still: Photographer not credited, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

And yet every part of it works. Bogart as Rick, the cynic with a broken heart. Bergman as Ilsa. Paul Henreid, Claude Rains and Peter Lorre in the supporting cast. The song As Time Goes By, written in 1931, became forever linked to the film. People still quote it without even knowing they are doing so.

Photo: Exhibitors Herald, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

I think it lasts because it is about choosing something larger than yourself, and it does it with wit rather than speeches. The ending is a model for how to be romantic and unsentimental at once.

Photo: unknown photographer, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Do you have a favourite line? And have you introduced anyone younger to the film? I would love to know whether it works on a first viewing today.