*Casablanca* First Time Watching Movie Reaction

[@holddowna]

Thank you all so much for watching! There is so much to this movie and it was even better on the 2nd watch! I picked up soo much more! If you wanna check out patreon! we watch a lot of movies on the Blockbuster Buddy Tier! We are doing a movie-palooza month right now! Polls back up in May! patreon.com/HoldDownA

[@MrKINSM]

The most important aspect of this film for a modern viewer to remember is that it was filmed during the War when Nazi Germany puppet Vichy France ruled over Casablanca. It's literal telling is in a "present day" form. The Allied invasion of Northern Africa under Operation Torch would later liberate Casablanca in late '42. Furthermore, the film's script which was originally for a play was the most anyone in Hollywood had ever paid to that date for an unproduced play.

[@Dej24601]

Possibly a small but significant point to remember is that in those times, and especially in Europe and Africa, secrecy was a critical part of life particularly for anyone even slightly connected to underground or political activities or connected to the Free France movement. Keeping secrets even from loved ones was common and helped protect everyone. So, Ilsa’s ability to keep a secret even from a person she loved, like Rick, showed her overall trustworthiness and her dedication to Lazlo, to the cause and also to help protect Rick, who apparently was already considered suspicious to the Nazis (altho we never hear exactly why he was in danger in Paris.) As Ilsa said, not even their closest friends knew about their marriage, and she didn’t know Lazlo was alive until after she and Rick made plans to escape Paris. Making sacrifices for a larger cause was common in those times, whether a person signed up to fight in the military with understanding that they may pay a huge price, or took the risks of being in a resistance movement.

[@tristramcoffin926]

I am so excited that you reacted to this film. I am even more excited about how much it affected you.

[@TA-dg6tf]

I thoroughly enjoyed your reaction. You were so insightful and appreciative of the film nuances. Made me subscribe to your channel to watch more of your reactions 😊

[@Anon54387]

The Caine Mutiny.

[@joelok48]

The ultimate tough guy Rick sits at his desk in the dark and breaks down crying because of a woman. Love hurts! And his acting here breaks our hearts too. Amazingly great!

[@holddowna]

Love does hurt 💔well said!

[@brookeshenfield7156]

I have been happily devoted and in love with my high school sweetheart for 43 years. She is an amazing woman whose love has made me a better man. I have quoted this movie often in my love affair with her. Sometimes love does not hurt, but makes us strong.

[@shawnbridges8703]

Casablanca hurts my heart and makes me long for the days when scripts were written by adults for adults.

[@visaman]

The script was still being written as they were filming.

[@shawnbridges8703]

By adults for adults.

[@MrRon-lw1ri]

I love your comment, Mr. Bridges: "written by adults for adults" --the exact opposite of what we have today.

[@racheldrum1982]

Amen to that.

[@CorePathway]

Other than the fact, it looked like Humphrey was dating his daughter

[@richardhotz2803]

Rick :" I came here for the waters" . Louis: "What waters ? This is a desert." Rick: "I was misinformed." I think, in a very understated way, this is one of the funniest exchanges in any movie ever.

[@ThePianoMan1953]

I respect your opinion!!! It was so damned clever!! There were so many; I also love, "I wouldn't bring up Paris, it's poor salesmanship." The screenwriters had to have had an amazing combination of cynicism and sense of humor!

[@dyingtodeath]

Only the Epstein brothers would have come up with such an epic chutzpah response that they put in Rick's mouth and only Bogart could have sold it so well.

[@leftcoaster67]

I feel sorry for people that use Black & White as a lame excuse to miss movies like this. Because it is so beautifully shot. And the dialogue is top tier. It was the perfect movie, and it was never expected to be the hit that it was.

[@phila3884]

It's common for today's generations to lump all black and white movies together as somehow less worthy....until they watch a classic. Then, they realize it's TODAY'S movies that are not worthy.

[@striker1553]

Diligently, Purposefully, and Caringly shot.

[@angienoexiste]

honestly, black and white films are so fascinating to watch bc they relly on other elements to convey emotion or the mood for a scene and it’s always done with a lot of creativity (mainly using light and shadow)

[@AceMoonshot]

I prefer black and white a lot of the time. It makes a film a lot more timeless. And you can tell a lot of story with light and shadow.

[@orangeandblackattack]

it is perfect. It was shot 24 years before I was born, but when I first saw it in 1979 at the age of 12, it became mt favorite movie and still is and will always be. Bogart was the definition of coolness. I loved his character because of his sarcasm and burns that I have used my whole life. Ingrid was one of my early crushes. "Gaslight" really highlights her acting range.

[@stevenhenry9605]

Possibly the most quotable movie of all time.

[@Divamarja_CA]

It is, according to the AFI! What I keep noticing, as I watch reactions to this movie, is that no one picks up on Renault’s line, “Round up the usual suspects” as being the inspo for the movie, “The Usual Suspects.”

[@alanholck7995]

Surely you can't be serious? Your mother was a hamster & your father smelt of elderberries! 😃

[@martensjd]

Most quotable? Maybe second to Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

[@stevenhenry9605]

@@martensjd I respectfully disagree. Holy Grail is a fantastic film, with a whole lot of amazing lines, but they're all comic lines. The quotes in Casablanca are funny, poignant, and thought-provoking; it's a lot more versatile.

[@Dej24601]

@@martensjd since Casablanca has been around longer, and in that time there have been references to its script within films, in comedy skits, on tv shows, plus 2 tv series based on the film (in 1955 and 1983), books, plays, comic books, even ‘Mad Magazine’, has been incorporated into jokes, translated into various languages globally, and some lines used as film titles (like The Usual Suspects, Play It Again Sam), it has had more time to accrue a history of use and re-use than Monty Python has. Both scripts should be accepted and loved for what they are and not put into competition.

[@TheMajorActual]

When you hear people complain about the lack of quality in modern movies, this movie is one of the yardsticks modern films have to stand against.

[@DennisBante]

Truly there is no comparison. I prefer b&w movies, and maybe a couple of cheesey stunts compared to color and high tech stunts that try to cover for bàd acting, direction and ridiculous sums of money. Even 50's-60's T.V. was better than the crap they produce these days! Just say'n!

[@TrackpadProductions]

Sorry, but this is - and will always be - a really silly argument. It's simple survivorship bias. There were _terrible_ movies made back then, too. They just don't get remembered, because film preservation wasn't considered as important back then, it was much more difficult and costly to do, and they tended to be forgotten quickly. There's great movies being made all the time; they're just not the ones that tend to be the most profitable, since mass-appeal has always been more commercially viable than art films - which, I cannot stress enough, is _not_ unique to the 21st century. Tons of classics were completely snubbed in their era - _including, believe it or not, _*_this one._*

[@TheMajorActual]

@@TrackpadProductions All that shows is that "critics" only have opinions, and like most opinions, theirs almost uniformly suck.

[@richardcanedo1614]

@@TrackpadProductions OK, it's great success was a surprise, but it wasn't exactly _snubbed_, unless getting 8 Oscar nominations and winning 3 (Picture, Director, and Screenplay) amounts to a snub. On the argument being silly, I agree, but the gap between box office success and award worthiness does seem to have grown in recent decades. I also think that the screenplay of the average movie in the years from around 1933 to 1947 was better written than the average one in the last 10-15 years.

[@richardmardis2492]

I always Get teary eyed during the La Marseillaise scene 🇫🇷

[@adarael]

Fuck yeah, me too.

[@williamb5484]

It was spectacular

[@alanholck7995]

Vive la France!

[@brucecsnell]

Tears and chills -- every time.

[@abelaberdeen3757]

Part of why the scene is so moving is that most of the extras were expats displaced by the war. A lot of the emotion you're seeing there is genuine.

[@KneeAches]

Casablanca only gets better with multiple viewings. So well written and acted.

[@chrismaverick9828]

There are several YT vids about the making of and history behind the film's production that all mention that it was being rewritten daily and almost on the fly, and that the ending was still up in the air leading into the final scene's filming schedule. That it all came together into one of the best examples of film and written stage-building shows the power of what cinema can be with the right talent and vision in all aspects.

[@hbron112]

Thirsty for more Bogey? How about him as Sam Spade in, "The Maltese Falcon."

[@garymcgregor5951]

And The Big Sleep!

[@RootinrPootine]

The big sleep is more fun

[@zedwpd]

The African Queen

[@randybass8842]

To Have and Have Not

[@Barb5001]

@@zedwpd Yes .... The African Queen is a must to watch and...African Queen is NOT the name of a lady

[@johannesvalterdivizzini1523]

The last surviving actor was Madeline LeBeau (1923-2016) who played Yvonne. She had been an actual refugee from Paris when it was occupied, travelling through Lisbon and Mexico involving both Chile and Canada before getting to the US. (Her actual husband at the time was the roulette operator). When Yvonne sang Le Marseillaise, those tears were heartfelt.

[@On.Tel-egram-MrsHolddowna]

Look up🤝so we discuss privately.

[@MrAnthimos112]

I have seen over 4000 movies in my 46 years and Casablanca tops my list. It has everything...romance, humor, war, mystery, sacrifice, hope...it is just perfect to me. I would like to give you some historical context if I may. The movie was filmed in 1942 at the height of Nazi Power. All of Europe was under their boot and the end of the war was not in sight. This wasn't history for the people making it, they were still living it. Most of the cast were directly affected by the war. Swedish Ingrid Bergman (Ilsa) felt great guilt because she had considered the Nazis to be a passing fad and didn't speak out as strongly and as early as she would have liked. Austrian Paul Henreid (Lazlo) was forced to flee to England for asylum. German Conrad Veidt (Maj. Strasser) despised the Nazis and had to flee Germany with his Jewish wife. He considered it a pleasure to make "Major Strasser" as hateable as possible. Most of the English actors had been involved in the London Blitz, And Madeline LeBeau (Yvonne) was 19 years old when Casablanca was filmed and had been forced to leave Paris with her jewish husband when it fell to the Nazis. She made a very similar refugee voyage as described in the movie. The Scene were they sing "La Marseillaise" was very emotional for her to sing and the director made sure to catch her tears on camera. When she sang that song she had no idea if she would ever be able to step foot in a Free France again. She died in 2016 at the age of 92, the final living cast member of Casablanca. Upon her death she was honored by the french minister of culture who called her ""the face of French resistance."

[@blakebufford6239]

Great info.! Thanks!

[@MrAnthimos112]

@@blakebufford6239 NP. I post the exact same comment on every reaction of Casablanca I watch, lol.

[@jeffreysmith236]

​@@MrAnthimos112yes, you do. And I read it every time.

[@eatsmylifeYT]

No, you haven't seen over 4000 movies in 46 years. Stop lying.

[@timmarshall2491]

@@eatsmylifeYT Are you for real? You can easily watch 100 films a year. (That's about 1 every 3 days) Now multiply that by 40 years and there's 4000. I'm in my 50s and have seen probably 5-6 thousand films.

[@SYLTales]

Something I always like to point out to reactors: Yvonne is something of an opportunist. Once it's over between she and Rick, she takes up with one of the Germans. As a Frenchwoman, this marks her as a collaborator, the absolute worst of the worst. _Everyone_ would detest her. Indeed, it's what causes the minor fight that Rick breaks up. In French, the policeman angrily tells Yvonne that she's not French for taking up with the German. The German understands French and takes offense. At the end, the French officer spits out (in French): "Dirty Boche. Someday we'll have our revenge!" "Boche" is a pejorative, about the same as "Kraut." Yvonne is aware that he's probably talking about her as much as the German. When the Germans begin singing together, there's a shot where Yvonne can be seen starting to feel bad about her situation. When Lazlo gets the band to play "La Marseilles," Yvonne flips. In fact, the camera focuses on her at a very specific moment in the song. The lyric she's singing translates to "They're coming right into our arms" (referring to the enemy). It's at that point that Yvonne realizes that bringing the enemy right into her arms is precisely what she's doing, and she begins to weep in shame. At the end, there's a shot of her shouting, "Vive la France!" indicating her change of heart, returning to a French loyalist. It's a small character arc for a near-background character. You only know the depth of it if you're both knowledgeable of the political situatuon and speak French. As a Francophile, I'm both. However, it's a detail that shows just how much care was taken with _Casablanca_ . It didn't need to be in the film at all, but they took the time to include it. And a bit of trivia: the actress who played Yvonne, Madeleine Lebeau, was the last cast member of _Casablanca_ to transition to Valhalla.

[@pedroV2003]

Yvonne is gorgeous.

[@Neneset]

Should be noted that Madeleine Lebeau was French and a refugee in Hollywood. At the time this was filmed, France was occupied by the Germans. Her tears are not just acting.

[@phila3884]

Madeleine Lebeau was the last surviving cast member of Casablanca.. She died 8 years ago.

[@rikk319]

@@Neneset A large number of the cast in Rick's were real refugee actors from around Europe. That scene displayed real emotions from them over the course of the war.

[@SYLTales]

@phila3884 yep. I mentioned it in the last sentence. 🙂

[@minnesotajones261]

Oh, if you want more Bogie, I HIGHLY recommend The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, The Maltese Falcon, Sabrina with Audrey Hepburn, and The African Queen to just name 4 films...

[@padfolio]

Add Key Largo and The Harder They Fall. Bogart's last film.

[@michaelstach5744]

And The Caine Mutiny

[@genghispecan]

...and The Big Sleep

[@nedworcester4395]

And “To Have and Have Not.”

[@davidmarquardt9034]

@@genghispecan And he did 2 war movies, Action In the North Atlantic, and Sahara.

[@otterpoet]

An absolute masterpiece from top to bottom. Lightning in a bottle that'll resonate for generations. And while Bogart and Bergman were (always) incredible, Claude Rains as Captain Renault was beyond amazing. His line delivery was so sharp, you could shave with it. I remember watching this in film class and us howling every time he dropped the wit bombs.

[@StoriesThatSuck-pw1vi]

The La Marseillaise scene always gives me head-to-toe goosebumps. My favorite individual scene from any movie, ever. Gods, I love this movie so much. It always makes me happy to see the young'uns doing reaction videos to it. A fun video, as always.

[@michaelnolan6951]

We have to remember that most of the French actors in this were in exile at the time that this was filmed.The Nazis were openly, publically murdering French civilians at random as "retaliation" for things they had no knowledge of. The actors in La Marseillaise scene did not know if they would ever see home again - and made the audience feel their desperation and defiance.

[@Frightspear]

@@michaelnolan6951 👍

[@airgunfun4248]

The plural is such a ridiculous affectatious gesture

[@torontomame]

​​@@airgunfun4248 Maybe to people who believe in a monotheistic mythology.

[@airgunfun4248]

@@torontomame Nope even if you agree taking effort to change a common figure of speech IS affectatious regardless of your belief system. including the big bang fairy tail magic mythology

[@Fyrecide]

This movie will never fall out of style, because the writing and performances are timeless.

[@t0dd000]

Finally, a reactor with enough worldliness who can fully understand and sink into this film.

[@On.Tel-egram-MrsHolddowna]

Look up🤝so we discuss privately...

[@chrismaverick9828]

Yes! She's the first one I've seen really see the anguish and bitterness the pain has caused Rick to develop.

[@MST3KNJ]

This film is a master class on so many levels. Writing, acting, the incredible cinematography that uses the black and white medium to its fullest. An absolute classic in every sense of the word.

[@Dej24601]

The singing of ‘La Marseillaise’ is a deeply emotional scene because many in the cast and the crew (including the director) were either actual refugees from Nazi persecution, or still had family, friends or colleagues there and were trying to get them out of harm’s way and to freedom.

[@blueboy4244]

it's also the precise moment when Rick decides to 'join the fight'.. when the band looked to him to see if it was okay to play the song.. he nodded okay - Rick picked his side

[@MrCnurse]

Also including Conrad Veidt (Major Strasser) who's wife was Jewish

[@aMulliganStew]

Decades later, "We'll always have Paris" still gets me.

[@ryandaly01]

I saw this movie when I was 18 and it instantly became my favorite movie. My high school and college friends thought I was crazy for preferring this over ‘80s action and comedy flicks.

[@frankcastle9991]

Greatest movie no bells and whistles all talent .

[@denniszenanywhere]

I was also 18 when I first saw this and it became my favorite, too. And my friends thought I was uncool for liking it.

[@danieldickson8591]

Most of those '80s action and comedy flicks are barely remembered today. Casablanca will live forever.

[@thomastimlin1724]

Bravo for you, your friends, like mine were before yours in the early 1970's were the same...airheads lol...

[@rabblelevin6923]

I was a similar age when I first saw Casablanca and had the same experience. It's remained my favorite movie ever since.

Considering when it was shot. Considering the script/plot line. Considering the acting. This movie is beyond every class. Thank you for reacting to this masterpiece, Awesome Ames.

[@TheBTG88]

One of the signs of a great, classic film for the ages - you can watch it over and over again and love it more and more.

[@lelandpowell5223]

What alot of people don’t catch is that laslo told ilsa that he loved her many times but ilsa never says it back.She was in love with Rick but she was in love with the thought of victor

[@RWonline]

You are the only movie reactor I've seen to get the "chess" game. But then all your reflections on symbols through all the movies you view have always been intelligent. Kudos.

[@im-gi2pg]

I’ve never noticed the chess game. I’ll have to watch for it. I’ve seen MANY reactions!!!

[@papercup2517]

@@im-gi2pg I know very little about chess, but someone on another comments thread observed that by the position of the pieces on the board, it was apparent Rick was using something called the 'French Defence'... If true, it's another of those tiny but telling details that make this movie such a treasure.

[@jayallman]

Multiple teams were working on "Casablanca" separately but simultaneously as it was being written. One writer wanted to insert a running chess game between Rick and Capt. Renault, as a metaphor on the situation. The second writing team HATED that idea--they thought it was too obvious and cute. As each team was constantly rewriting the others' work, that chess game kept being cut out, put back in, cut out, and put back in. Eventually it was decided to leave it out, and that one moment of Rick with the chess board is all that remains of it.

[@ThePianoMan1953]

@@jayallman Good decision to leave it out. A diamond can only have so many facets.

[@robspore5046]

I've seen several reactions to this film and you're the first person to get the rain on the note, like tears washing away the words. Good catch. Very good catch.

[@ja5467]

“Casablanca” was completed in 1942 in the middle of WWII it won 3 Oscars including Best Picture. Three members of the cast Humphrey Bogart, Sydney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre can also be seen in the classic movie “The Maltese Falcon” another MUST WATCH classic film. Love your channel! ❤ Bring us more of these classic films.

[@gsbealer]

I’m 72 and I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve seen Casablanca. Great classic isn’t it? Now that you’ve seen the entire movie you can probably appreciate how well black and white worked. Here’s looking at you kid!!

[@gsbealer]

Sorry, at 72 Facebook is about all I need.

[@gsbealer]

Try your luck on the Bourne Identity. Gripping. And a series. It’s a new one…..only 2002……yeah well that’s recent for a 72 year old.

[@CoastalNomad]

This movie was Filmed and Released During World War II, The Bar Patrons that sing the French National Anthem, are all French Refugees, who escaped France before the Germans Invaded/Occupied France. So Many Quotable Lines in the movie, And it is a Love Story for the Ages..... I also Recommend "The Maltese Falcon" (1941), It also has some of the main Characters (Humphery Bogart, Peter Lore, Sydney GreenStreet).....

[@holddowna]

Thank u for watching and leaving this comment!!! I gotta check those out

[@TheTomt50]

Agreed, The Maltese Falcon is a must watch. Film Noir really began during this time.

[@dagiel9061]

​​@@holddownayou definitely want to take a look at the Maltese falcon, it is Bogart at his pinnacle

[@mishmashmedley]

@@dagiel9061 seconded!!! or thirded _or fourtheded or fiftheded... lol_

[@eatsmylifeYT]

What's with all the capital letters?

[@unstrung65]

Hands down the best reaction to ' Casablanca ' --- loved the oval screen and subtitles , the editing was excellent . your commentary and reactions were great , and you are beautiful -- in many ways.

[@shainewhite2781]

Winner of 3 Oscars including Best Picture. "Louis, i believe this is the start of a beautiful friendship." "Here's looking at you, kid." "We'll always have Paris." "Round up the usual suspects."

[@docsavage8640]

Bogart not winning an Academy Award for this = awards mean nothing

[@holddowna]

😝

[@flarrfan]

@@holddowna Check the AFI 100 years 100 quotes...Casablanca has twice as many as any other film.

[@holddowna]

@@flarrfan cool!

[@Divamarja_CA]

“I stick my neck out for nobody.” Plus more! The infamous, misquoted line is “Play it again, Sam,” which comes from the Woody Allen movie of the same name.

[@vorlon1]

I've watched many reactions to Casablanca here on youtube, and you are one of the first I've seen appreciate the humorous, witty, ironic, level of the film. You laughing out loud at many of those lines made your reaction especially enjoyable. ❤

[@On.Tel-egram-MrsHolddowna]

Look up🤝so we discuss privately..

[@TheDemonicPenguin]

This is indeed a movie that gets better every time you see it, particularly the first few times as the dialogue is so dense.

[@manueldeabreu1980]

What people miss in the first few viewings is we meet characters, that seem throw away, that drive the story later. We also hear lines that come back as important or you hear later. When Rick says to Yvonne 'That was so long ago, I don't remember.' You realize later Ilsa said it to him in Paris.

[@johnscott4196]

Ingred Bergman was a world famous beloved actress for at least a couple of generations. Glad you are getting introduced to these classics.

[@On.Tel-egram-MrsHolddowna]

Look up🤝so we discuss privately..

[@Charles_Gaba]

This was one of the best reactions to Casablanca I’ve seen. You GOT it at every level. A true joy to watch.

[@LashLeRoux.1]

Your analysis of the plot and understanding of the characters were spot on. You figured out the ending long before I or anyone else I know did. The chess analogy is perfect as great chess players are not thinking of their next move but several moves ahead. That’s exactly what Rick was doing. Suffice it to say you have a new subscriber. Casablanca was in my humble opinion the best movie ever made, anytime, anywhere. Humphrey Bogart (Rick Blaine) and Ingrid Bergman (Ilsa Lund) were two of the best ever to grace the silver screen and both have the trophy cases to prove it. Claude Rains (Louie Renault) stole virtually every scene in which he appeared save for the final one. Paul Henreid (Victor Laszlo) had his big moment in the scene leading the French National Anthem in what was arguably the best scene in the movie. As for the tears, they were probably glycerin. Glycerin is more viscous than actual tears and takes forever to evaporate so Hollywood uses it often. It does no harm to the skin and won’t dry up under harsh lighting. This is no reflection on anyone’s acting ability, just simple chemistry. (Retired chemistry teacher here.) Finally, a bit of trivia. There were two proposed endings to Casablanca and the cast were kept in the dark about which ending would be used until the scene was shot. The first was the ending we see in the movie. The alternative ending had Rick and Ilsa winding up together. After the first ending was shot the director and producer allegedly looked at one another and said, “No way we can top this.” The rest, as they say, is history.

[@Nitedawg1]

I think it's so funny that nobody ever seems to notice that the last thing she said to him in his note when she left him in Paris was god bless you and the last thing she said before she left him in Casablanca was god bless you

[@alfredroberthogan5426]

I noticed that but only after many viewings! There are several other instances of symmetry in this wonderful film too.

[@roybergeson4212]

The best commentary I've ever seen on this great movie. Well done!!!!!!

[@TedLittle-yp7uj]

The "Clipper to America" refers to Pan-Am's flying boats that crossed the Atlantic from New York to Lisbon harbours by way of the Azores. They also ran a service to Hawaii and the far east. The plane is featured in "Raiders of the Lost Ark."

[@alanholck7995]

Portugal was officially neutral during the war, and thus was an ideal place for refugees to escape from occupied Europe.

[@rubykrebs9550]

I loved your reaction. Humphrey Bogart was an expert chess player. Prior to his success in Hollywood he would hustle chess games for money in Central Park. When we are first introduced to Rick, he is playing chess. He is playing the black pieces and from the position of the pieces one can tell that black has played what is known as the “French Defense.”

[@SSP50505]

Damn, I've been on a Casablanca reaction binge these last 2 days. Great timing =) especially from such an insightful person.

[@rdawgo14]

Such an amazing screenplay! Great line after great line after great line...

[@brucecsnell]

The thing that makes this love story unique is that there is no bad guy -- all three were honorable people acting out of love. No one was cheating or trying to take what wasn't theirs. The ending was perfect. At the airport, just before he left with Rick, Renault threw the bottle in the trash without drinking it and you wondered why. It was labeled Vichy meaning it came from German occupied France -- Renault was showing solidarity with free France by throwing it out.

[@migmit]

Well, actually, Vichy was a capital of unoccupied France. It was still a German puppet state, so, Renault breaking with it was quite a gesture.

[@chrismaverick9828]

It's not just where it came from, but the fact that Vichy and Marshall Petaine was the symbol of the collaborative French government. One can argue the choices involved, but to be Free French was to be against the Vichy government in all things.

[@SpartacusAudion]

A great reaction. So great to see someone thoughtful encounter Bogie for the first time and instantly recognize how brilliant he was. BUT, I cannot comment without a huge shoutout to Claude Rains, one of my favorite actors of all time. Rains had tremendous range from The Wolfman and The Invisible Man to Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and Lawrence of Arabia. Renault was such a memorable character. "I'm SHOCKED to find there is gambling..." What a cast this movie had!

[@robertjewell9727]

Wonderful reaction. If you want to see Ingrid Bergman and Claude Rains again along with Cary Grant see the 1946 film NOTORIOUS directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It's on AFI's top 100 list as well.

[@jackmessick2869]

Agree! After the first Big 4 by Hitchcock (Birds, Psycho, NxNW, Vertigo), I saw Notorious and that one triggered me into watching every Hitchcock film.

[@kingbeauregard]

One of my favorite KZbin pursuits is "Casablanca" reactions; I can't see the movie with fresh eyes any longer, so it's good to see through someone else's. I enjoyed yours very much; thank you! There are so many ways to view this film; for me it's the story of a man lost in heartache and finding his way once more. For everything else that happens in the film, that's why it resonates with me.

[@kingbeauregard]

Oh! Are you familiar with the Al Stewart song "The Year of the Cat" ... ? The first verse is probably referencing "Casablanca": On a morning from a Bogart movie In a country where they turned back time You go strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre contemplating a crime That could be a few different movies, maybe; but it sounds like "Casablanca".

[@Historian212]

The German actor who played Major Strasser, Conrad Veidt, was famous in Germany but was anti-Hitler, and was married to a Jewish woman. They escaped to England, and then to the USA. Many of the extras and minor characters in the movie were Jews and other refugees who had escaped before the Nazis could capture them.

[@josht9253]

I believe Veidt was also bisexual or so I recall reading so he he had another reason to get out of Germany. Fun fact he also played Cesar the Sonambulist in The Cabinet of Caligari, a must see German silent film from 1920.

[@michelled.613]

Watching you tear up made me cry all over again, even though I’ve seen this countless times. Thank you!

[@jsbcody]

Rick didn't get the partner he wanted, but he got the partner he needed at the end.

[@visaman]

Ohhh!😮

[@ThePianoMan1953]

@@visaman You might say the partner he needed to find was his soul.

[@jsbcody]

@@ThePianoMan1953 I think both Rick and Louie helped the other find their soul. Rick did the right thing for the love of "the woman" but Rick and Louie found their true meaning and the souls as a result of that love. Thankfully, this was in the era of no "Casablanca 2/Rick and Louie's Revenge!", so we the audience can imagine their war adventures in our own way.

[@ThePianoMan1953]

@@jsbcody Well, in 1942, Rick helped steer Ilsa in the right direction as, clearly, it would not be good for Rick to take another man's wife (not to mention, leaving the war hero behind!) so that was a very smart ending. I think Rick got his soul back because, he now,.... finally understood the whole situation of what happened to Ilsa in Paris. So, the two of them, "finding his gin-joint" was a true God-send for all involved (especially Rick) because it gave Rick closure and he could "move on." The play, "Everybody Comes to Rick's" was born from Murray Burnett and Joan Alison seeing a sketchy nightclub in the south of France. I wonder if there are any photos available of that place? (The original Rick's)

[@gufu21]

This may be the best dialogue in any movie ever. Not a word is wasted. Every line is not only meaningful put pure magic.

[@drchaos2000]

that Marseillaise scene is of of the most emotional scenes ever in cinema... up there with the arrival of the rohirrim at midas tirith and oh captain my captain

[@bluesman6891]

This is the best reaction I've seen in a long time. I just lost my step dad last Monday and had a funeral service today. But this cheers me up. Thank you, miss. This a beginning of a beautiful friendship.

[@danl.909]

You’re the best. I love it that you are reacting to the greats.

[@holddowna]

It’s been fun!! Lots of movies to watch!!

[@flarrfan]

@@holddowna I'm so happy you're using the AFI list, which includes more of the classic greats than the IMDb list that some other reactors use, which is largely the most popular movies but not necessarily the best films.

[@JohnH.Sturgis]

I'm wondering how copyright affects movies on the AFI list differently: some you see many times, some rarely or not at all.

[@leisastalnaker3790]

When Ilsa says God Bless You… it just wrecks me. No matter how many times I’ve seen this movie.

[@stevesullivan8705]

She ended her note at the train station with God Bless You

[@ThePianoMan1953]

@@stevesullivan8705 🤔 I missed that and I've seen it many times! 😂

[@robbruno6713]

A movie that is 81 years old... great story after all these years.... Casablanca and Citizen Kane.... groundbreaking...

[@TheCompositeKing]

The rest of Welles's filmography is also groundbreaking, so much so that most of it is still ahead of our time artistically.

[@Progger11]

​@@TheCompositeKing Absolutely. More people need to see the rest of his filmography

[@jnagarya519]

@@TheCompositeKing The problem with Welles' films is that they are always about Welles.

[@Progger11]

@@jnagarya519 How so?

[@jnagarya519]

@@Progger11 He was also so obviously so full of himself. He is excellent in 1966's "A Man for All Seasons". But he didn't write or direct it.

[@unclephil7650]

I just would like to say that this is one of the best reactions to this movie ever

[@cliffchristie5865]

Having recently seen an exhibit of "Casablanca" artifacts at the Academy Museum in L.A., I can tell you that doors to "Rick's" are a shade of forest green and Sam's piano is mostly a bright yellow-orange.

[@ThePianoMan1953]

Sam's tiny (1/2 size) piano was painted in such gaudy colors..... I could not believe it because you can't see that in the B/W movie....

[@carlostalavera9030]

Wow! I always imagined the piano being a light blue

[@cliffchristie5865]

@@carlostalavera9030 Actually, the second piano - also on display - that Sam plays in Paris, is identical in size but a dull shade of blue.

[@kenhaines5318]

Thank you for this- I've been a huge fan of this movie since I was about 12 years old when I first caught it on TV in the early 80s. I was lucky enough to work in a movie theater in 1991 when the 50th anniversary edition was back in theaters and as a result I've seen this movie on the big screen over a dozen times, more than any other single film. But seeing your reactions to the more emotional scenes made "Casablanca" bring tears to my eyes for the first time in years. Thank you!

[@rickcrane9883]

Hey Ames. I got all giddy when I saw this pop up. Possibly the greatest Hollywood movie ever made. The cast, the script, etc. I’ve seen it umpteen times and always discover something new. Glad to see you reacting to the classics. ❤️.

[@donaldlewis2506]

This gal has never seen Bogie in a movie before??? I am frankly astonished. You, my dear, have led a deprived life! A warning if you attempt The Big Sleep....it is one of the most convoluted plots in Cinema History and a real challenge to follow but well worth the attempt.

[@jackmessick2869]

Agreed. Try The Petrified Forest, High Sierra, Treasure of the Sierra Madre, and To Have and Have Not first. Plots are more straightforward.

[@jayallman]

Adding to other suggestions: "Beat the Devil" is pretty obscure, but it is one of the best and purest expressions of the Bogart persona, and an excellent movie in its own right.

[@clarkness77]

Alot of people don't watch old movies

[@carlazaz1690]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for keeping the most crucial scenes and quotes in, like the nighttime scene where Rick is getting drunk. Most reactors don't. Perhaps the dialogue just doesn't register, but the lines are awesome. And, yes, Rick and Ilsa were still deeply in love when Richard sacrificed that love because of that love for her. Sometimes the most loving thing to say to someone is "goodbye."

[@kenfreeman8888]

I've seen "Casablanca" over a dozen times, and I don't think I'd ever noticed the significance of Rick playing chess. Brilliant observation. I'm sharing your comments with my brother who's watched this wonderful film (his favorite) many, many, many times. Thank you for your reaction, compassion and insight.

[@blueboy4244]

not only that - I read from a chess expert watching the film that Rick was set up in the famous 'French Defense' - - how many people put that much detail into a film???

[@kenfreeman8888]

@@blueboy4244 That is so cool. That is an amazing detail.

[@RankorandPissing]

The thing about Casablanca is that every scene, every exchange of dialogue, every shot moved the film forward. Nothing was wasted, no overly developed scenes. It's why it's very often been called the "perfect" movie.

[@ThePianoMan1953]

Of course you are correct but there is one scene that always grates on my nerves. When the lady starts strumming her guitar and begins singing. It's hard for me to appreciate. (I believe, they use it as a segue to for Ilsa to walk across the room?)

[@videoteamone]

You are the first reactor I've seen who caught the symbolism of the rain on the dear john note at the train station, like tears washing away the words on the note. One of the great visual treats in this movie but nobody ever mentions it.

[@holddowna]

Very special moment! This movie had a choke hold on me! Hard to express everything I was feeling.. loved watching it again. It gets better each time !

[@keithowen3523]

I love watching Casablanca. One of the greatest movies ever. There will never be another Bogart. It’s so much fun watching your first time reaction to it. Thanks for sharing. Here’s looking at you Kid.

[@spiveym]

Trivia: This was the last film for Conrad Veidt, who plays Major Strasser. He had a long career starting in the silent film era.

[@mz5458]

I'll bet Bogart felt bad about not using blanks...

[@nefersguy]

The amazing thing is according to the writers, the script was written as they were filming. No one knew how it was going to end until close to the end of shooting. Great reaction to a classic film.

[@ThePianoMan1953]

Even when it was ALL done.... they added, post filming, "Louis, this could be the start of a beautiful friendship." Proving..... It ain't over until it's over.

[@adamplace1414]

My favorite movie since I first saw it and realized how many famous lines there are in it, for good reason - perfection on film. Thanks Ames!

[@alecklecky]

Wow, what a coincidence. I just watched this again like 2 days ago. Such a classic!

[@holddowna]

I love it more each time I watch it! So much going on

[@AndyBodkin]

I've seen this movie so many times. Rich's monologue when he's putting Ilsa on the plane still makes me tear up. I'm not even embarrassed to admit that.

[@weighilln]

Congrats. You are the 27th reviewer to look at Casablanca. You do understand it better than most of the others. You also appreciate the B & W cinematography, the lighting and shadows. The famous actor holding the story together is Claude Rains as Capt. Renault. You should also understand the lucky timing of the movie. Released just after Pearl Harbour when the US was wondering whether to enter the war. When Lazlo says "Now I know our side will win", this is great US propaganda. Best you watch it again, you will get more out of this film.

[@jeffpope3221]

For more Bogart movies, I'd suggest "Key Largo," "The Big Sleep" "The Maltese Falcon" and "To Have and To Have Not."

[@jeffreysmith236]

African Queen, too, right?

[@docsavage8640]

#1 best movie of all time.

[@holddowna]

It’s really good

[@vinnydaq13]

“Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” The best exit line in cinematic history. 😎

[@oboogie2]

Some interesting points on this film, that is my all-time favorite. It was filmed over a couple of months during the beginning of WWII as just one of several being filmed on the studio lot. Filmed mainly in sequence because the script wasn't finished when they started filming, and the scene at the end with Rick and Renault walking into the fog had the ad-lib line from Rick about the "beginning of a beautiful friendship." Also, Ingrid Bergman was the mother of Isabella Rossellini. This is probably the most quoted movie in history.

[@Cbcw76]

We saw this earlier this month in a film festival and, like every other big-screen view, the audience started, clapping then rose and cheered at the end. I don't know how many have seen this film before but I find it to be infinitely rewatchable. Now, go out and see THE MALTESE FALCON (1941).

[@morningchaps]

You should look at “To Have Or Have Not”, another great Bogart film - plus, it’s the movie he met & fell in love with Lauren Bacall, and you basically get to watch it happen 🙂

[@panamafloyd1469]

"Not now, Frenchy..I gotta get a shave."

[@LymanPhillips]

Hell, I fell in love with Lauren Bacall in thet movie. Didn't everyone?

[@panamafloyd1469]

@@LymanPhillips , talked to her on the phone for half a second once. Working at Turner Broadcasting, early '90s. TNT before TCM was created. We used to show a classic film star's stuff all day long on their birthday. On Bogart's, The phone operator at the desk didn't recognize her, and patched her to us in Broadcast Control. Heard that voice and thought, 'Whoa. Is that who I *think* it is?!?' It was. She said she was glad we remembered him - but that we got the date of his birthday wrong! Forwarded the call to the Programming Dept. Dude from there came in later saying, "You're never gonna believe who I just talked to!!" I asked, "Was that really her?" We spent the rest of the day geeking over it. Sorry about writing a novel on your comment..just thought you might enjoy it.

[@jnagarya519]

"Where were you last night? "That's so long ago I don't remember." "What are you doing tonight?" "I never make plans that far ahead."

[@DannyMaddox611]

Another good Bogart movie is "Sahara", also set during WWII. He is a tank commander trying to get his tank and crew back to his lines, and picks up a few characters along the way, while being chased by Germans.

[@charleslatora5750]

Yes

[@bigredtlc1828]

The dialogue. So many great lines. This was just one of many studio movies made that year. Nothing special. Studio players. Tight budget. Studio writers. It just all came together. Amazing piece of filmmaking. The mechanics at the airport were little people and the plane was a small scale model. The fog helped make the scene work with the smaller plane. Old movies had to come up with ingenious ways to film. Thanks for reacting!

[@almost_harmless]

The Third Man might be a movie you would like to watch.

[@silverestor]

You know your movies! Mostly unknown to American audiences, it is in my top 5 movies of all time.

[@rayvanhorn1534]

So glad you appreciate this film & sincerely paid attention to the story. Very much enjoy your reactions to classic films, keep em coming! This story is terrific, the main line is supported by so many subplots. Excellent script, casting (Claude Raines did a superb job) & I feel the black & white is fantastic, color wouldn’t feel the same as color…same as “It’s a Wonderful Life” & “12 Angry Men”. The lighting, shadowing & contrast enhances the suspense, emotion & sets the tone. What a film.

[@mikemclaughlin4879]

The director, Michael Curtiz is regarded as one of the top directors of the Golden Age of Hollywood. He also directed three of my favorite movies, The Adventures Of Robin Hood (1938), Yankee Doddle Dandy (1942) and White Christmas (1954). He received 5 Oscar Nominations and took home two, Casablanca being on of them.

[@Mike-ki8uz]

The Adventures of Robin Hood, another movie with Claude Rains in a strong supporting role, this time as Prince John.

[@davidhutchinson5233]

The problems of 3 little people.......perspective. Just one of the many, many aspects of this wonderful film. Thank you.

[@2GunRock]

You have to realize, this movie was released in the middle of WWII. At that point we didn't know we would win.

[@flarrfan]

check the date on the OK receipt that Rick signs in his intro scene...Dec. 2, 1941. They were truly asleep all over America but about to be rudely awakened.

[@blueboy4244]

@@flarrfan Rick.. leaving his 'don't care either way. I'm for me' stance to, in the end - join the fight - was a proxy for america leaving it's isolationist ideals behind and (finally) getting involved in WWII - just five days later

[@amexgirl84]

I’m so delighted that you watched this movie. It’s one of my favorites and I knew you would love it too.

[@lazyperfectionist1]

8:21 I'm often pleasantly surprised to recognize an actor who was in the movies back in the days of black and white. It doesn't happen to me often. This is one such man. Peter Lorre. Born László Löwenstein in Ružomberok, Slovakia. I first became aware of him in an absolute _hoot_ of a movie from 1944 called _Arsenic and Old Lace._ I've also seen him in a 1931 German film just called _M._ I note that you have not uploaded a reaction to _Arsenic and Old Lace_ to your channel. Consider it recommended.

[@On.Tel-egram-MrsHolddowna]

Look up🤝so we discuss privately.

[@blueboy4244]

he's really good in Maltese Falcon

[@ColemanJRimer]

My all-time favorite film. A true classic.

[@matthewstroud4294]

Bogart is an effortless scene-stealer, you can't take your eyes off him. The only other actor that can top him is James Cagney, pure charisma. I'd love it if you did Angels With Dirty Faces, they're both in that and Cagney is just fantastic.

[@eddhardy1054]

Except when he's playing opposite Claude Rains. 😊

[@rickgardner3417]

I have always loved this movie and enjoy watching people new to it. I watch a lot of reviewers, and yours was one of the best. Your expressions, laughs and tears just added to the movie, Thank you.

[@matthew_thekngp1n]

Yaya Ames with a new video 🙌🏽 this was really good 😊 keep up the great work

[@holddowna]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@leosarmiento4823]

One of the greats. You learn a little bit more about the film, the story, the acting/directing, with each viewing. Thank you for a wonderful reaction. Looking forward to you going thru the AFI 100. Here's to you, kid.

[@Pamtroy]

"Good little actress?" My God, she was INGRID BERGMAN!

[@dnish6673]

She meant the character Ilsa was acting in front of Victor.

[@thomastimlin1724]

I re-watched your reaction. I forgot how excellent it was!! You were so into the story within 10 minutes, forgetting it is in black and white, as you should be. They don't make movies with excellent motivation and dialogue like this anymore. That is the saddest damn thing about this top notch classic movie. ALways in the Top Five, sometimes #1, on classic movie votes and lists thc include the very beginning of film from the silent era on..

[@BossNerd]

I don't know what list had this third - this is the best movie ever made. Keep watching it - it only gets better with each watching.

[@barryhickman6911]

Terrific reaction to one of the best movies ever made! A certified classic!!!

[@j5429280]

check out the african queen with him and katherine hepburn

[@holddowna]

Def gotta watch

[@j5429280]

@@holddowna atta girl

[@charleslatora5750]

Many people do not know their history in that the Germans had troops down in Southeast Africa fighting against the British and the Commonwealth. African Queen takes place during World War I. 👍👍

[@timgardner3681]

Back in the 80s I saw this for the first time. I knew it had always been rated as perhaps the best movie of all time. Destroyed by heartache myself, and having a clear knowledge of history, it made a powerful impression. Beyond iconic. Brilliant, slightly on the nose, but always perfect. I cry at every reaction. Yours is lovely.