FIRST TIME WATCHING CASABLANCA (1942) | **MOVIE REACTION**

[@IrishGuyReacts]

What is your favourite Humphrey Bogart film?

[@wraithby]

I go back and forth with favorite Bogie films. Currently, it's "In a Lonely Place"...it's an excellent murder mystery/ noir / character study...

[@Divamarja_CA]

Casablanca is an easy default but he’s also tremendous in In a Lonely Place, The Maltese Falcon, Treasure of the Sierra Madre and The Caine Mutiny. His breakout role, as Duke Mantee, in The Petrified Forest, is small yet riveting. Sabrina, yes we all know it’s got weird casting, is also lovely. And then there’s The African Queen. But, I’d have to say my top 2 are Casablanca and Falcon.

[@robertjewell9727]

I truly enjoy Casablanca and rank it very high in regards to films about WWII made during WWII although there are films on my personal favorite films list that rank higher. I really appreciate that Victor Laszlo is not made a villainous or unliked "other man" and is truly heroic individual that even Rick greatly respects whilst being surrounded by dubious personalities. It's Rick that has to go through a character arc and as a WWII film made at the time Casablanca certainly created characters and conflicts that was not propagandic, but emotionally relevant. Now having said that, my personal favorite Bogart role is in Howard Hawks' TO HAVE AND HAVE NOT (1944), which bears some similarities to Casablanca and introduces Lauren Bacall to the American film world. It's not as brooding as Casablanca, but certainly is a perfect example of Howard Hawks' worldview and a damned good story.

[@heywoodjablowme8120]

Caine Mutiny. Gotta watch it.

[@JCH2768]

Casablanca. Key Largo close 2nd. You’d probably like it.

[@aussiehorndog]

Such a relief to watch a film reaction by a person who treats the film with interest, respect and concentration instead of talking over the film and making jokes about it.

[@kingbeauregard]

There are a lot of "Casablanca" reactions on the KZbins, and I'm pleased to say, most of them treat the film with reverence. I think it's that it's a film that really commands one's attention. Some of the comments are great though. My favorite is one guy who, after "round up the usual suspects", his face lights up and he marvels: "he didn't snitch!"

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Ihaveseenamovie]

I can rewatch this movie every week. I love it so much, the script, the acting, the scenarios...love it! Unforgettable.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

The acting is absolutely brilliant. Even the minor characters have standout moments. Especially the Bulgarian couple.

[@johannesvalterdivizzini1523]

The movie was released in November 1942, just at the time US troops were landing on the Moroccan coast near Casablanca--at that time the outcome of the War was very much in doubt, and the first ones landing were actually fired on by French troops, but they soon stopped and many chose to join the Allies. But even that was in doubt. It's fine to be able to look back in hindsight and know that the Allies did win, and both the Germans in Europe and the Japanese in the Pacific were defeated, but imagine being either part of the making of the film or in the early audiences watching, and not knowing.

[@kingbeauregard]

One very nice detail: when Laslzo is talking with Berger (the French Resistance guy early in the film), dude says something like "we heard you were killed on five separate occasions" and Victor makes a joke in response. That was cleverly planting the detail that Victor has been reported dead on occasion. So when Ilsa mentions that she read he was dead, that actually lines up with something already established. It's not necessary, but it's there.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

A nice subtle consistency. Well observed.

[@meyerhave]

​@@IrishGuyReacts @kingbeauregard : "... Berger the French Resistance guy early in the film)," The character "Berger" is actually a Norwegian Resistance fighter allied with and for defeating Nazi Germany (... and "Ilsa Lund", from Oslo originally). The ring "Berger" flashes is "The Cross of Lorraine is a symbol of a two-barred cross. It was the symbol of Free France during World War II and represented the liberation of France from Nazi Germany and Gaullism." The character "Berger" is played by John Qualen (1899-1987) who was born in Canada to Norwegian parents.

[@josephpaul4548]

​@meyerhave I remember John Qualen from The Grapes of Wrath and His Girl Friday, but he was in countless films in the 30s and 40s.

[@wraithby]

The German major had to keep up the image that the French Vichy collaborationists were in charge in Casablanca. He couldn't just grab Lazlo. Instead there was a big back and forth to trap Lazlo.

[@kingbeauregard]

Yep. While the Germans were nominally in charge, nobody liked them or had any loyalty to them, so there was only so much power they could project. Especially since there were like only five Germans and a very large desert well-suited for making bodies disappear. So, the Germans had to make sure that anything they did, was in accordance with the local authorities.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Made it feel like a chess match. But I always felt worried for Lazlo during the film.

[@migmit]

@@kingbeauregardI'd rather say, they were actually in charge, but nominally it was under French authority.

[@jangle4246]

Rick and Ilsa have strong feelings for each other, even though they have not known each other a very long time. Their budding relationship is interrupted by the German occupation of Paris in June 1940. They meet again when Ilsa and Victor come to Rick’s café in December 1941 (Early in the movie, Rick puts his “OK” on a check for 1000 francs that is dated 2 Déciembre 41). The attack on Pearl Harbor that prompted the U.S. commitment to WWII was on Dec. 7, 1941. The action in the movie takes place at the turning point for the U.S., and Rick’s change from uninvolved to patriot parallels that shift. My favorite Bogart film is also my favorite film: CASABLANCA.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Not a bad choice for a favourite film

[@fronkykoko]

Because this was made whilst the war was still happening: when you see the French singing their hearts out to the national anthem, all of that emotion is completely real.

[@xbubblehead]

Since you mention the music, the song Rick and Ilsa are dancing to in Paris is "Perfidia", a lament about the loss of a love.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

I'll really listen out for that when I go back for a re-watch

[@xbubblehead]

@@IrishGuyReactsI'd love to hear your thoughts about it!

[@johannesvalterdivizzini1523]

A great song at the time.

[@Cybrludite]

Not just a breakup, but one due to infidelity.

[@AddSerious]

The greatest movie ever made

[@bpora01]

This was set in early to mid 1941. After Paris fell but before the US entered the war. French Africa was controlled by the vichy government, technically allied to Germany but people like Rick, Elsa, and Victor still had a little bit of legal protection.

[@TedLittle-yp7uj]

The chit that Rick signs while playing chess with himself is dated 2nd December 1941

[@IrishGuyReacts]

It was felt like a fragile protection. As if one bad move and they would lose that buffer of protection.

[@TedLittle-yp7uj]

Quite right. @davidbradley2294

[@ramonalfaro3252]

"This looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship", "Here's looking at you kid" and "Play it again Sam" are all quotes or paraphrases quoted in other movies.

[@thomastimlin1724]

He never said "Play it again Sam," as you probably know. "Round up the usual suspects" for that misquote lol. "We'll always have Paris." Well, not when the freakin' Nazis had it...

[@Hexon66]

@@thomastimlin1724 Yeah, the OP mentioned 'paraphrases', which would obviously refer to Woody Allen's play and film. I've never been able to find a definitively mistaken use of the "Play It Again, Sam" line *prior* to the Woody Allen play in 1969. In that play and film, the word "Again" is clearly self-referential.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

"Play It Again Sam" was even used as a title of an episode of Quantum Leap

[@schroedingers_kotze]

​@@Hexon66 The "Play It Again, Sam" line first appeared in the comedy film A Night in Casablanca by the Marx Brothers (1946). Woody Allen referenced the line in his film title.

[@JC-rb3hj]

Ilsa was inspired by Victor, she admired him but she loved Rick. She never says I love you back to Victor. The heart goes where it wants to go.

[@kingbeauregard]

I think she loved both Victor and Rick; but with Rick it was the fresh passion of a new relationship, while with Victor it was the deeper but less passionate love that forms over time. The two men are really similar, when neither of them is broken with heartache anyway, so Ilsa's definitely got a type.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

I hadn't picked up on that but she was definitely willing to leave Lazlo and depart with Rick. I'm glad she ended up with Lazlo though.

[@binkytube]

I love the way you react to these classics. You deserve more likes!

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Thank you for the kind words

[@DV80s]

I mention it every so often in reactions, but the guy who played major Strasser is the prototype of Batman's Joker. Yep, his silent film The Man who laughs was the inspiration for the Joker and if you see pictures of him in the role, you'll see why.

[@louismarzullo1190]

Conrad Veidt. He also played the sonambulist serial killer in the silent German expressionist horror classic The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari

[@DV80s]

@@louismarzullo1190 I've seen that one and didn't even realize it was him.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

I do watch silent films on the channel to, so I'll have to add "The Man". Thanks for pointing it out

[@maryg8152]

Thanks!

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Thanks very much Maryg

[@thomastimlin1724]

Impressed you know the song the very thought of you. The music score by Max Steiner is superb as was all of his work...He did Gone with the Wind. He was a game changer in film music. "Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine" is a very famous quote from this movie. It went over your head like many other quotes.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Absolutely love that song. Al Bowlly. He also sang "Midnight With The Stars And You" which appeared in The Shining. Another fantastic song.

[@coolaunt516]

The exchanged glances between Rick and Louis is epic. If Rick turns in Louis for letting Lazlo escape, Louis can turn in Rick for shooting the nazi. They knew that they needed to cover each other. Notice Louis does not report that Lazlo is on the plane when backup drives up. It's a win all around for everyone.

[@johannesvalterdivizzini1523]

"Rick turns in Louis for letting Lazlo escape"? This makes no sense since Rick has a gun on him---Renault is the Prefect of Police--and the Captain of the police!!

[@Billnail]

The cast in this film is fantastic and also quite interesting. There were only three Americans in the movie that were credited. Bogart, Dooley Wilson (Sam), and Joy Page (the Hungarian wife). The one I find most interesting is Conrad Viedt. A well-known actor in Germany, who became a star in the states in the 1920's. Returned to Germany when sound arrived, and left Germany to escape the Nazis with his Jewish wife. Two of his great silents were The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and The Man Who Laughed. Look up the poster for the latter, and I know you will recognize the fictional character he inspired. Unfortunately, he passed away only one year after this film at fifty.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Most of the film is pure dialogue and you need really good actors to keep you engaged and they did it brilliantly.

[@thomasoa]

Metaphorically, Rick represents American reluctance to enter WWII. It's even made fairly explicit when Rick drunkenly talks with Sam, and asks Sam what time is it in America. "December, 1941" is the answer, but that is not a time. It is the month of the attack in Pearl Harbor, when Americans were convinced to enter the war. The feeling of bitterness and betrayal was that, after WWI, Americans were being asked to fight and die again for all the same places.

[@johnmulvey5121]

Lovely review, My mother saw this during the war and loved it so we would watch it every time it came on TV . Full of iconic moments and one liners : l love the national anthems scene . 'Play it Sam' 'Louis round up the usual suspects ' 'you're getting on that plane.....' 'This could be the start of a beautiful friendship . And the WW2 setting. Thanks!

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Not a bad movie to share with your mother. Glad you enjoyed the review and reaction.

[@slowerthinker]

WW2 was a complex sprawling mess of a conflict, and although most people are familiar with the broad outline of it there is so much that is forgotton. Such as the number of times Vichy French troops fought against Allied troops... in Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Gabon, Djibouti, Madagascar, Lebanon, Syria. Renault switching sides at the end to support Rick was every bit as big a deal as Rick deciding to help Victor Laszlo escape.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Had no idea where it was going by the end of it.

[@migmit]

@@IrishGuyReactsNeither were they. The script was being written while they were filming.

[@pleasantvalleypickerca7681]

A classic film. To think this was released when the war was still going makes it not only great drama, but brilliant propoganda as well. Pretty much a perfect film. Every scene moves the story forward to a memorable conclusion.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

I can't state how fascinating it was that this was made during WWII.

[@deckofcards87]

Casablanca's one of those movie's that hits me differently every time I revisit it. And I enjoy it more each time. The dialogue is very rich so that's probably partly why. Roger Ebert said similar things about the film that there's a magic durability that keeps it timeless. The Godfather has that magic, as well.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

The music and the engaging dialogue between the characters is what makes it so absorbing

[@joebalusikiii5811]

Bogart's line delivery - especially in his conversation with Peter Lorre's Ugarté is sharp and biting and does a great job in establishing Rick as indifferent, aloof and just finished with all manner of politics both personal and otherwise.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

He is always great at the snappy dialogue. Such a distinct voice.

[@williambranch4283]

One of the greatest movies.

[@Perktube1]

'We'll always have Paris' was a meme long before memes were memes.

[@justinplayfair9827]

"in a Lonely Place" with Gloria Graham.

[@DV80s]

My favorite movie of them all.

[@raymeedc]

Love Bogey, Love Casablanca. He was nominated for an Oscar for this film & The Caine Mutiny, another excellent film (co-starring Fred MacMurray), but didn’t win in either case. He did, however, pick up an Oscar for The African Queen in 1951, an off the beaten track film you should surely check out ✅

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Pretty sure it's on the watchlist but thank you kindly for the recommendation.

[@philowens7680]

Nice to meet a fan of Humphrey Bogart ....

[@IrishGuyReacts]

I love his voice. So distinct. Similar to Jimmy Stewart.

[@custardflan]

Woody Allen has a movie called Play it Again Sam where he gets dating advice from Humphrey Bgarts ghost.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Must be where the title of a Quantum Leap Episode came from too.

[@JohnWesleyDowney]

The 1995 film THE USUAL SUSPECTS starring Kevin Spacey directed by Bryan Singe takes it's name, from the final scene of CASABLANCA. But most of you knew that.

[@jathygamer8746]

"You want my advice?... Go back to Bulgaria." So cruel Rick, so cruel. Great reaction to a great film 🎥 💓 🍿

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Yeah, I felt so heartbroken for her in that moment. Glad you enjoyed the reaction.

[@unstrung65]

Great summary ! - if a bit short . ( no worries )

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Sometimes I worry about rambling a little.

[@ead630]

I highly recommend "Barry Lyndon"!

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Appreciate the suggestion

[@billolsen4360]

4:16 Imagine that Rick ran a speak-easy during prohibition in the US. Might have gotten either on the wrong side of the law & escaped before he served his prison term, or the mafia who supplied the booze.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Added more to his back story too, whatever the reason was.

[@johnmulvey5121]

PS If I have my history right, while this film was made France was occupied by the Germans and no one knew whether they would ever sing the Marceillaise there ever again. The emotions of the French actors in particular must have been genuine.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

It's such a great anthem too. A great moment in the film.

[@xbubblehead]

My favorites are "The African Queen", a love story during WW I, and "The Maltese Falcon", which also has Greenstreet and Lorre.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

The Maltese Falcon was a lot of fun. The African Queen is on the watchlist 👍

[@TheToscanaMan]

Is there a more iconic song in a movie than "As Time Goes By" written by Herman Hupfeld originally for a musical? It almost didn't make it into the movie. Max Steiner the musical director did not want it in the movie. Jack Warner said it stays in because it was written into the play (Everybody Comes to Rick's) on which the movie is based. I couldn't imagine this movie without it. Steiner did a great job threading the song in various ways throughout the movie. Great reaction.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Glad you enjoyed the reaction, thank you. And yes the music in the film is terrific!

[@bobbuethe1477]

Now that you've got the background, try Neil Simon's "The Cheap Detective" (1979), a parody of Maltese Falcon, Casablanca, and The Big Sleep.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Nice suggestion. Thank you kindly

[@dionysiacosmos]

Oh yes! The MGM songbook started its compilations with the early talkies in 1927. TCM often features one actor for a whole day and night. For instance, Lew Ayres whom I only knew as an elderly actor in the 1960s and 70s. TCM showed all his early movies and since he was with MGM the music was always familiar and wonderful. He had been very handsome and versatile, with top notch performances.🧓🎭🎻📽️

[@custardflan]

Have you reacted to Mrs. Miniver. The young man at the roulette table is great as a downed Geman pilot. It stars Greer Garson, who is one of the greatest actresses ever. I recommend Goodbye Mr. Chips. She holds record for Oscar nominations.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Thanks for the suggestions. Have not seen either of these. Will put both on the watchlist.

[@snootybaronet]

It's ambiguous as to why Rick cannot return to the US. But from comments made by Renault, Laszlo and Ilsa it's likely his political involvements in the 1930s are a factor. Renault confronts Rick with his involvement in the Spanish Civil War and his gun running to the Ethiopian resistance against Mussolini's invasion of Ethiopia in the 30s. Ilsa in Paris says Rick 's past could lead to his death when the Germans control Paris and France. Laszlo welcomes Rick back to the "fight". It's implied that Rick was very active in political causes of the Left in the 1930s. These activities were part of what was known as the Popular Front, which included Soviet communist influence and participation. So Rick had heavy duty political involvement prior to going to Casablanca, which may have made him unwelcome to American authorities.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Yeah, it definitely hints that he was involved in some illegal/shady dealings while in the States.

[@DV80s]

You want another Bogart film to watch, Key Largo is excellent.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Excellent! Appreciate the suggestion.

[@garyi.1360]

This is likely Bogart's best though Maltese Falcon and The Big Sleep are up there. Yet To Have And Have Not, Key Largo, The Caine Mutiny, and The African Queen all have high marks.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre is a brilliant film too.

[@cathleencooks748]

Been meaning to leave a comment for you & as Casablanca (a classic) is your latest reaction have a few requests to make. With St. Patrick's Day nearly here if you haven't seen them could you react to either My Left Foot or In the Name of the Father one of my all time favorite movies which I saw 3 times when it was first released the last time on St. Patrick's Day. Another thought for that day because you have mentioned your love for the movie The Secret of Roan Innish is to do a commentary on this forgotten gem. Lastly with your love of that last movie for Western Wednesday Lone Star directed by John Sayles who directed The Secret of Roan Innish. Heck react to any of his movies. Very overlooked director. Thanks again for your wide range of movie reactions & especial thanks for trying to post Shenandoah

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Definitely intend to watch some more Irish films going forward. Not sure I'll get to them over St. Patrick's Day (I do have a silent Irish Film planned for that day). "Lone Star" I'll add that to my watchlist if it isn't on already. I've actually not seen "The Secret Of Roan Innish" but it is on my watchlist too. Thanks again for the suggestions. Yeah, a real shame about the "Shenandoah" video. Only up on the Patreon Page now.

[@arjaylee]

Rick was a complete Hero.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Made an ultimate sacrifice and gave up the woman he loved for the greater good

[@larrystuder6378]

I think it's implied that when Rick shoots Major Strasser, he kills him. Of course, medically, that's not really true...

[@treefeathers]

This is my very favorite movie, except maybe for The Jerk. So glad you watched it! Now you should see The Jerk.

[@kingbeauregard]

"And I don't need any of this! I don't need this cafe! I don't need you, I don't need anything! Except this ... the only thing I need is this exit visa!"

[@treefeathers]

@@kingbeauregard😂

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Thanks for the suggestion. Not sure I've heard of "The Jerk" before.

[@im-gi2pg]

@@IrishGuyReactsit’s a comedy. Steve Martin. As funny as Pee Wee’s Big Adventure! I love them both.

[@Pamtroy]

Many of the people in this film were refugees from Europe, including the man who played Strasser, and the frenchwoman.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Makes the making of it all the more fascinating. I should find a documentary on the film.

[@12hairyjohn]

She was married to the actor who played the croupier.

[@custardflan]

Ingrid Bergman is one of the greats, as is her daughter Isabella Rosellini.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

I first knew Isabella Rosellini through Friends 🤣 Isn't she in Blue Velvet?

[@frankcastle9991]

Best movie .

[@IrishGuyReacts]

Worthy if being dubbed a classic

[@mikecaetano]

Classic! Top ten all time, easy. Had the Allies lost the war the Nazis likely would have executed the entire cast of this film. The jazz soundtrack fits with the concept of Rick's American Cafe. Few ever notice that Claude Rains tosses a bottle of Vichy water in the trash at the end to symbolize the shift in Renault's attitude towards Vichy France, the puppet regime the Nazis put in charge of France during the occupation. WWII provided the setting for several excellent Bogart movies from the forties -- Sahara (1943), To Have and Have Not (1945), Dead Reckoning (1947), and Key Largo (1948) -- a John Huston film and another all time top ten easy. Bogart played supporting roles in two noteable Westerns, The Oklahoma Kid (1939), opposite James Cagney, and Virginia City (1940), opposite Errol Flynn and Randolph Scott. They're both a good watch, but for Cagney and Bogart pairings, The Roaring Twenties (1939) is tops. Bogart also starred in High Sierra (1941), a film noir later adapted as Colorado Territory (1949), a Western starring Joel McCrea. Ingrid Bergman's next film after Casablanca was another WWII resistance film, For Whom the Bell Tolls (1943), starring Gary Cooper. Long but worth it. And that was before Gaslight (1944) and Notorious (1946). And Claude Rains played supporting roles in so many classic films after launching his carerr with The Invisible Man (1933), including The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), The Sea Hawk (1940), The Wolf Man (1941), Now, Voyager (1942), and Lawrence of Arabia (1962). Conrad Veidt also starred in the classic silent film, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), as well as in The Thief of Bagdad (1940).

[@IrishGuyReacts]

I absolutely loved The Invisible Man. Didn't realise it was the same actor though. A couple of people have recommended The Roaring Twenties so I'll have to check that one out.

[@zedwpd]

The Germans wouldn't have abided by any French letters of transit. There were no guards at the airport so they could have all got on the plane together. Even after the Colonel was shot they could have flown off together.

[@migmit]

The letters won't be presented to Germans though, they were for Portuguese authorities.

[@im-gi2pg]

Most young (American) reactors don’t know what war this was or even that there was a war going on.🙄

[@IrishGuyReacts]

I found the fact that it was filmed during WWII to make the film even more engaging

[@edthompson2099]

Casablanca was filmed in 1940 and released in early 1942 in the U.S.. That would have been only a few months after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7 (December 8 for Japan and Australia) bringing the US into the war. The movie setting was after France had fallen in 1940 to the Germans and the Vichy government had signed a peace agreement with Hitler and before Japan brought the US into the war.

[@GetMeThere1]

Great movie. I've seen it many times -- enough to discover what I think is an annoying flaw: the big smile on Ilsa's face as Rick releases her to her husband to leave. Is that how someone acts toward the love of their life? Only a short time before she had collapsed into his embrace saying she could never leave him again -- that she always loved him and could never leave him. The VIEWERS are so pleased with Rick's high intentions and selfless behavior that they FORGET that there's nothing for Ilsa to be happy about...and so they don't notice how odd her mood is. She could have said to him that she would wait for him in America, for example.

[@Divamarja_CA]

Looking at it with lens of the day plus the Hayes Code, Ilse had to be the “good girl” and follow her head, which initially was enchanted by Laszlo, instead of her loins and heart, which preferred Rick. And just like she says, she met Victor at a very impressionable age and was swayed by his ideals and, let’s face it, his good looks (I’m not blind!). But with maturity and in time, she met Rick and all bets were off. “The right thing to do” is stick with her huzzbin. I’ve always interpreted her bittersweet smile as smiling through the tears, even though the tears may not be visible.

[@GetMeThere1]

I should add -- Bogart being such a compelling actor -- you should see African Queen and contrast it with this story. It's another "love of your life" story -- tell me if you think the Bogart character or the Hepburn character would ever just "give" the other to someone else, and say you're better off with them. LOL. I want to be clear, it's FINE for Rick to arrange for them both to leave -- Laslo is a fine guy, and saving his life is worth a sacrifice, and it's totally understandable that Rick should want Ilsa out of danger. But that doesn't mean Rick and Ilsa shouldn't still have their love. That's what I'm saying.

[@GetMeThere1]

@@Divamarja_CA Right. The paradox is solved by a single phrase: Hayes Code. Hollywood ABSOLUTELY could not abide a woman leaving her husband for another as a moral and righteous culmination of a story. In those days it just couldn't fly. The duty to marriage was a primary motive for all characters -- and never to the point that divorce was a happy ending.

[@michaelwalsh2498]

The Hays (not Hayes) Code prohibitions are overstated. If the exaggerated, mis-understanding of the Hays Code was in force, the entire relationship of Rick snd Ilsa would never have made it to film. The relationship was handled beautifully and with sophistication. The ending wasn't a Hays Code imposition, it was a realization that painful sacrifices during the current war would cut people to the deep. Sufferings would include extreme emotional sacrifices as well as physical. A childish fairy tale ending would have been an entertainment, not one of the greatest films of all time.

[@snootybaronet]

⁠That's correct. The ending wasn't imposed to create a "good girl" cutout character. If anything can be said against it... that would be a war propaganda angle. Ilsa and Rick show self sacrifice due to the needs of the war effort.

[@gallendugall8913]

Ilsa is a bit of a jerk for not explaining, "When we met I thought my husband was dead. He's alive." It's not that complicated and she never has a good reason to not tell Rick. She passed up the opportunity to offer that explanation five times before she finally spills, twice in Paris and three times in Morrocco, but it wouldn't be a "romance" if the woman wasn't being at least a bit of a jerk for no reason.

[@IrishGuyReacts]

I was glad she finally told the truth by the end and wasn't nearly as angry when she explained why she neglected to tell him in the first place.

[@migmit]

She explains why she won't say anything in Paris. It was dangerous for her to be known as Mrs. Viktor Laszlo. Nazis would've arrested her immediately if they knew. And in Morocco, first Rick explicitly told her to shove it, which made her angry at him the second time, and the third time she did tell after they both calmed down enough. Also, remember, when Rick approached her at the bazaar, she didn't yet know she needed him on her side and had every reason to be upset.

[@gallendugall8913]

@@migmitSo she's worried that Rick is going to turn her into the Nazis? Nah. I said "good reason" and that ain't one. She doesn't even need to say who her husband is, Rick isn't owed that, but, "We can't be together as it turns out I'm still married. I f*ed up. Sorry. Try not to hate me." It's not that hard.

[@shelbymariejennings7244]

I understood why Ilsa couldn’t tell Rick in Paris as being because she knew Rick loved her enough to help Laszlo. He would have followed her back to him, and out of love for her he would have done everything possible to help. And in doing so, Rick would stay in Paris, and inevitably get caught. He already had a record and was known by the Gestapo; being found conspiring with THE Victor Laszlo certainly would have gotten him arrested, at least. I believe Ilsa thought of all that. I think her decision was made with love.