Casablanca (1942) (70th anniversary re-release)

Casablanca

(Michael Curtiz, 1942)

Rating: 5/5

Reviewed by Dave Lancaster

Summary: As 70 years has gone by, 'Casablanca' should still be played again and again thanks to its perfect script, casting and direction. A true, enduring Hollywood masterpiece.
 

---

'Casablanca' is the kind of film that people lament "they don't make 'em like that anymore". Indeed, it's one of the most seamlessly constructed classics of Hollywood's golden age, an evergreen in film history that has been embraced from generation to generation and has few negative reviews hoping to dent its lean frame. I wish they did make them like this still.

The plot is familiar, but intricate. It depicts the early days of World War II, at a time when many fled from the Nazis to Casablanca hoping to find a safe haven in the baking African heat. One such man is an American, Rick (Humphrey Bogart) who has set up a bar/cafe/gambling joint. He's tight with the local police (Claude Rains) and hoods (Peter Lorre), offering no moral slant while proudly stating that "I stick my neck out for nobody".

But now his world is crumbling and he'll have to do just that when his old flame (Ingrid Bergman) re-enters his life. She's moved on with a Resistance leader (Paul Henreid) who needs the gold dust of Casablanca - transit papers to get out of the country. She offers herself to Rick in exchange for them forcing him to examine if he should benefit himself or the people suffering around him, all the while putting his neck on the line.

Not a word is wasted in Julius J and Philip G Epstein's remarkable script that pulls together unforgettable one liners ("here's looking at you") with piercing social commentary, highly memorable set pieces and room for humour and musical interludes, all the while sitting comfortably under the two hour timeframe.

Director Michael Curtiz was famed for his economy in his heyday and he's at the very top of his game here, showcasing his narrative instead of himself.

It's one of the few timeless films out there, serving as a perfect introduction to black and white cinema to those who have overlooked it thus far. Now in its 70th anniversary, check out this Best Picture Oscar winner on its big-screen re-release and Blu-ray.
 

Other film news

New 'Godfather' book due amid Paramount and Mario Puzo Estate lawsuit ceasefire

The Mario Puzo estate will release a new 'Godfather'-based book, after the late author's legal team and Paramount Pictures (who produced the original masterpiece film trilogy) came to an agreement following mutiple lawsuits.

Delayed Jimi Hendrix biopic to go ahead

Despite objections from The Jimi Hendrix Estate, a biopic of the legendary guitarist/singer/songwriter Jimi Hendrix is going ahead starring Outkast MC and multi-instrumentalist Andre 3000.

Robert De Niro and Michael Douglas on for 'Hangover' style comedy 'Last Vegas'

Oscar winners Robert De Niro and Michael Douglas have both signed on for comedy 'Last Vegas', it has been confirmed.

Uncut 'Prometheus' "adult" age certificate confirmed

It's good news for fans of the original 'Alien' films, the latest in the franchise - Ridley Scott's 'Prometheus' - will not be cut down to secure a family-friendly age rating 20th Century Fox has confirmed.

Rebecca Hall takes on 'Iron Man 3' female lead role

After it was revealed that Jessica Chastain's schedule made it impossible to join 'Iron Man 3', it seems that 'The Town' star Rebecca Hall has been brought in to fill her shoes as the female lead opposite Robert Downey Jr's Tony Stark/Iron Man.

John Travolta hit with two sexual harrassment lawsuits

'Grease' and 'Pulp Fiction' star John Travolta has been sued by two male masseurs who have both accused the actor of sexual assault.

'Avengers Assemble' sequel officially on

In probably the least shocking film news this year, Marvel's megahit 'Avengers Assemble' has been greenlit for a sequel, but it won't be as rushed as you'd think.

Robert Pattinson to hunt Saddam Hussein in 'Mission: Blacklist'

'Twilight' star Robert Pattinson is taking giant steps to put his teen idol Hollywood heartthrob status behind him, following up David Cronenberg's sordid 'Cosmopolis' with Saddam Hussein thriller 'Mission: Blacklist'.

Ashton Kutcher's 'racist' Bollywood ad pulled

Ashton Kutcher's latest ad for Popchips has been pulled, following accusations of racist content.

Scarlett Johansson receives star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame

'Avengers Assemble' star Scarlett Johansson has received a star on the prestigious Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard.

Oscars to stay in Hollywood for another 20 years

It's good news for Hollywood - the biggest awards show in American film - the Oscars - is remaining in town for at least another 20 years under a new 20-year deal signed by the Academy.

Charlie Sheen sues New York strip club

Film and TV star Charlie Sheen has filed suit against a strip club who named a VIP room in his honour without his permission.

Mark Ruffalo reveals six picture contract with Marvel

As the 'Avengers Assemble' movie shattered box office records in dozens of countries, it comes as little surprise to learn that its cast members signed multiple picture deals with Marvel beforehand, but the length of the contracts may raise a few eyebrows - Mark Ruffalo is up for five more films.

Armando Iannucci confirms Alan Partridge movie

Armando Iannucci has spoken out on the one of the key issues in Norfolk and beyond, confirming that not only is an Alan Partridge movie in the works but that it will also shoot this year.

'Avengers Assemble' takes $178m in five days

Marvel's 'Avengers Assemble' made an interesting move of holding back the opening in the prime US market, allowing for an international wide release to get the financial ball rolling. It paid off with the superhero film bagging $178.4 million between Wednesday and Sunday.

First images from Tarantino's 'Django Unchained' arrive

We previously brought you the first poster and synopsis from Quentin Tarantino's 'Inglourious Basterds' follow-up 'Django Unchained', and now we've got some scorching stills to go with it.

Lindsay Lohan officially cast in Elizabeth Taylor biopic

After months of speculation, Lindsay Lohan has officially signed on to play Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor in 'Liz & Dick' for the Lifetime TV network.

Guy Pearce signs on for major 'Iron Man 3' role

'Memento' star Guy Pearce is set to join the ever-expanding cast of Marvel's 'Iron Man 3' as brilliant geneticist Aldrich Killian.

Russell Crowe signs on for Aronofsky's 'Noah's Ark'

Russell Crowe has officially signed on to play Noah in Darren Aronofsky's forthcoming big screen retelling of the 'Noah's Ark' story.

Carey Mulligan marries Mumford & Sons musician

'Drive' actress Carey Mulligan has married folk rock singer Marcus Mumford in a low key barnyard ceremony over the weekend.