Why CASABLANCA is the Greatest Screenplay of All Time

[@luishumbertovega3900]

I am not a screenwriting student nor anything near it but I love Casablanca so much that I want to thank you for providing us your 1-derful evaluation from your point of view as a screenwriter, facilitating us to enjoy the movie even more. Blessings from San Juan PR.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Hey, Luis! Thank you for the nice comment. (I agree with you: I love Casablanca!)

[@mariaeddycesario3067]

You do not need to be a screenwriter to enjoy these analysis. You can se why this one did this, or that one did that. And this is delightful! Thanks, @ScriptSleuth!

[@dmontes133]

I think this film has more memorable quotes than any other single movie.

[@elijahalbiston]

Here's looking at you, kid.

[@chrisblanc663]

Nope. Kung pow does😂😂😂😂

[@richardfry6527]

Probably, every other line people recognize even if they don't know from where it came.

[@AM-tk2pk]

What about The Godfather?

[@dmmchugh3714]

The script was perfect, rhe music was perfect, the screen era where it was released was perfect timing, and the characters were all at the height of their glamour and acting ability (men and women). The scene where they sing 'La Marseillaise' in juxtaposition with the Germans knocks me out every time. My favorite movie of all time, hands down.

[@ScriptSleuth]

I always cry when I see Madeleine LeBeau singing with real tears in her eyes.

[@pj9654]

And the best part: They didn't know who was going to win the war when the movie was made and released. That the Allies defeated Nazi Germany and the Axis powers is the icing on the cake of this perfect film.

[@arlene-adelposses6563]

Love it !!!!!

[@davidmoser8845]

One interesting tidbit in the script that I didn’t notice until after many viewings: when Victor asks Rick why he won’t give him the letters of transit, Rick tells him to “ask his wife.” Although Victor does not react visibly, this must have been a bit of a shock to him, as their marriage was a very closely held secret. Rick understood that, so it comes off as a bit of a power play - “I know more about what’s going on than you think I do.” The point is reinforced later when Victor relates the story to Ilsa. He doesn’t just say that Rick told him to ask her; he pointedly clarifies, “He told me to ask… my wife.” It’s Victor’s own little power play, showing that he knows that only Ilsa could have revealed their secret, and thus her relationship with Rick must be very intimate and trusting, more than she had let on.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Thanks for the insight!

[@collinsje5]

The screenplay for Casablanca is pure genius.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Agreed. It really is a miracle it ever worked.

[@rixx46]

It’s probably been mentioned already but… When the Bulgarian girl comes to Rick and asks if she thinks her husband will understand that she compromised her virtue in order to save their lives it mirrors the exact question Ilse is facing when she comes to him anticipating that she may sleep with him in order to get the letters of transit to see her husband‘s wife. That’s another reason why Rick chooses to help the couple he sees his own situation mirrored in their life and death dilemma and understands Ilse’s conflict much better.

[@dvrsweet1]

Wow! Great observation!

[@jimslancio]

A great line that gets overlooked is when Rick tells her Renault is "just like any other man, only more so."

[@jcas]

good point

[@constancewalsh3646]

For the umnpteenth time, I weep from start to finish. Why? not because of war, or the sadness of sacrifice and separation (although this too). It's the genius of this film that brings tears, the intelligence, the beauty, the humor, gestures of boldness and courage, of respect, of love. The subtleties of friendship and shared values, in action. That so many contributed to the integrity of this oeuvre in all aspects, that their personal talents were so amazing - this is what moves me so deeply. It is what I miss in the world, in art which has become excessively individualized and competitive, though not everywhere. Thank you for this wonderful analysis and appreciation of one of the greatest American movies of all time, if not the greatest!

[@ScriptSleuth]

Thanks for the great comment!

[@2msvalkyrie529]

Beautifully said Constance !! Don't give up hope entirely...!

[@honourablemuslim2155]

​@@2msvalkyrie529 Not only the greatest, it's the sweetest, in every way possible.

[@haroldlee4230]

Well said!!!!!

[@elizabethpalladino8301]

This is one of the most well-organized lectures I've ever listened to. It's fascinating how you analyze and break down why the script of "Casablanca" works so well in less that 10 minutes. Bravo!!!

[@ScriptSleuth]

I'm really glad you found it useful. Anything in particular you'd like to see in the future?

[@elizabethpalladino8301]

If you analyze screenplays adapted from novels, I would love an analysis of Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" movies. @@ScriptSleuth

[@rumi9005]

Two scenes in Casablanca always bring me to tears whenever I watch. One, of course, is the iconic scene between Rick and Ilsa at the airport. I even adapted it for my telephone answering machine message back in the 1970s. And the other is when Yvonne sings "La Marseillaise" in the bar. I wonder how many of us would be that brave if truly challenged.

[@charlestemple634]

Every aspect of pure emotion from beginning to end ... have never seen another movie like that and it still touches me deeply.

[@ScriptSleuth]

💯 %

[@Briansgate]

I swear, Rick had great lines, but Louis' were just as good!

[@ScriptSleuth]

A lot of characters had great lines in this film. It's a shining example of well-written dialogue.

[@cards0486]

A few years ago, after watching CASABLANCA countless times it hit me like a bolt out of the blue. Listen to Louie,watch Louie. He steals every scene he’s in! Claude Rains was brilliant!

[@annaclarafenyo8185]

​@@ScriptSleuth Gems like "Who's the boy playing the piano?" and "She's nothin but bad luck boss."

[@randysnelgrove6681]

I agree 100%. It's great to listen to Rick's lines when speaking to Louis. Rick's are usually short and quick where Louis' are elegant and longer. PERFECTION

[@suemeade2864]

@@cards0486 claude rains deserved an Oscar

[@tomsurber2293]

"Casablanca" is the greatest movie ever and there's a good chance that will never change.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Agreed.

[@suemeade2864]

Agreed

[@debbieking5171]

Absolutely

[@charlie-obrien]

The only thing that "Casablanca" has over "Citizen Kane ", is that "Casablanca" ends on a hopeful and uplifting note, while CK is more a tragedy. But in screenwriting, direction and even acting, I would say you could choose one or the other.

[@brandonbuchner1771]

The courage it took to film a movie about World War 2 Nazi occupation during World War 2 is immense. Because of the ongoing war, the emotion you see on the faces of the characters seeing La Marseillaise is real. At the time of the filming, nobody was sure which direction the war was going.

[@robertbenson9797]

Great video about a great movie. I had read once that the symbolism of Rick giving the OK to play “ La Marseillaise”, is representative of the United States entering WWII.

[@charlie-obrien]

In the scene just before, Rick very coldly refuses to sell the Letters of Transit to Lazlo, then the German music starts and Lazlo retaliates by leading the house band in playing “La Marseillaise” and the entire cafe joins in singing. This is a pivotal moment when the entire movie changes direction. Rick approves the playing even though he knows it will cost him, the scenes change after that from mostly well lit daytime shots to dark and ominous night time and Claude Rains character becomes more aggressive towards Rick. It's a fantastic scene and there are simply not many that compare.

[@bradhess7527]

Such a fantastic film--just got to see it again on the big screen. It gets better with each viewing. As for this video on it, I'm often reluctant to look at an analysis of something, fearful it will take away the magic. But your presentation did just the opposite, adding more depth and increasing my appreciation of the film! I'm impressed and appreciative. Liked and subscribed (even though I'm not a screenwriter).

[@ScriptSleuth]

I'm so envious of your being able to see it on the big screen! Thanks for the nice comment.

[@reaccionapr]

So many great one liners and subtle hints of what’s about to come

[@poppyland74]

The fact that there was a theatre script first is I think an important factor. The focus has to be on the dialogue much more than anything else. Amadeus is another example.

[@Jason-yw2ow]

dude, keep it coming with these vids. been through my fair share on here over the years and can honestly say these are some of the best screenwriting vids on yt - very simple, very clear, great examples and from great scripts. keep up the awesome work.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Thanks a lot, Jason!

[@CeeLiberty]

I saw this movie for the first time at 13. I was hooked on the old classics!!! Have you considered Moonstruck from 1988? Great screenplay!!!

[@ScriptSleuth]

Yes, that's an excellent suggestion!

[@theman2017inc]

As a screenwriting student, I’m trying to improve, to continually evolve and this video adds to my expanding skills. Many thanks Script Sleuth

[@ScriptSleuth]

That makes my day. You're very welcome.

[@patticassidy9293]

Brilliant! Thanks so much for this clear and concise class!

[@ScriptSleuth]

You're welcome, Patti! And thank you for watching.

[@jackberry1310]

This channel deserves a hell of a lot more subscribers.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Thanks for watching, Jack!

[@thomaseubank1503]

I'm shocked, shocked that gamboling is going on here! -Your winnings sir

[@ScriptSleuth]

Ha! Such amazing, witty dialogue throughout the entire movie.

[@krisherman3513]

I use this line often when talking about others' hypocrisy or something that is not at all surprising. Such masterful writing!

[@elijahalbiston]

This may or may not be the most unexpected and welcomed bit of humor in any film I've seen.

[@hebneh]

I regularly see people posting online referencing this line, usually in connection with something going on politically in 2024. I suspect many of them don't even know where it originated, but they do know that it's said cynically by someone who actually is NOT shocked in the least.

[@thomaseubank1503]

@@hebneh We should get the same thing going for, "This is the stuff that dreams are made of."

[@jcd3869]

Thanks for this content. I watch this every trip to France to remind myself about romantic, egoic love vs. fundamental, genuine love. We can always look at the man in the mirror proudly when we honor the latter. Then even though we did it wanting nothing in return, more love comes to us as a result. Nothing by chance because the human brain always leads us where we truly believe we deserve to go, whether for good or bad. They say those that made their $$ in a dishonest way always find the most creative ways to lose it. They knew they didn't deserve it. LOVE this movie and the sacrifice by Rick for a greater cause than his own.

[@purplelibraryguy8729]

One thing I like about this movie that's sort of half "script" and half outside the territory of scriptwriting is the beautifully timed and calculated bits of comic business. Take the "vultures everywhere" bit and then the "vultures" guy colliding with the elderly waiter, who clearly knows just who ran into him and hastily pats himself down. So, first, it's funny. But it's a lot more than that. The dialogue is great, because it's exactly the kind of exposition Script Sleuth is talking about: The man is telling the truth about Casablanca, but doing so as his line of patter to get himself in a position to do his grift, so it is exposition as ammunition, and also ironic and funny because he is the exemplar of exactly what he is warning against, which also means the movie is showing as well as telling . . . and then it caps it off with that moment of comic business, which underlines that oh, yes, Casablanca is just like this and everyone who's been there a while, even inoffensive looking plump old waiters, know what's up. All that packed into a few moments that on the surface seem unrelated to the story -- which also gives you a break from that problem movies often have where it feels like there is no reality outside the main characters. In just a few moments it gives you a Casablanca that is teeming with life and people with agendas of their own. Brilliant stuff.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Excellent comment. Every time I think of anything in this movie, I realize more and more how deep the brilliance goes.

[@rixx46]

I planned to make a similar point. For all of the tragedy and drama of this story it’s full of brilliant wit and a little vignettes of humor. “What watch?“ …😛

[@atlanteum]

Great analysis of the greatest film ever made, covering aspects and subtleties of character and structure that don't often get the attention they deserve.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@atlanteum Thank you so much!

[@atlanteum]

@@ScriptSleuth You are more than welcome. I should be thanking you. Love how you looked at the structure from the standpoint of Secondary Characters and Music. One of the reasons it moves so damned fast is that - as you said - there are like, what - 20 stories... at least? - packed into an hour & 42 minutes. Epstein & Koch didn't write a screenplay - they wrote a symphony.

[@dvrsweet1]

My most recent viewing showed me another minor tidbit. In the Paris cafe Rick brings two glasses to Sam’s piano, but on the piano is a third glass-Sam’s. Rick pours champagne for the three of them, not just Ilsa’s and his, further showing Rick’s friendship with Sam, even while Sam is “colored.” I consider that unusual for 1940’s cinema.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Great catch!

[@danalawton2986]

Considering that this movie came out in 1942... and that the many quotes are still known, "hill of beans", "here's looking at you kid" and " beginning of a beautiful friendship", among others, makes it damn great!

[@ScriptSleuth]

Definitely! The whole movie is so quotable 🌞

[@hebneh]

"I'm shocked, shocked to find out that gambling is going on here!" "Round up the usual suspects!" "Play it again, Sam" - which I acknowledge is actually NOT said in the film, but was a catch phrase back in the 1970s and '80s.

[@remik.chevalier1707]

Great video - love your insights & analysis! I'd love your thoughts on Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid for the next episode. Keep up the good work!

[@johnschuh8616]

The story never pales.

[@samlyons3552]

this channel is truly TIMELESS

[@ScriptSleuth]

As are the classic films!

[@jorgeponce5512]

I am SHOCK, SHOCK to find you didn't include everyone's fave line !

[@ScriptSleuth]

Every single line of dialogue in this movie is quotable!

[@akacianicholls5526]

I like Casablanca, doubt I could ever match it. I do appreciate the writing lesson. My current venture will be a letter to the News Review.

[@anska7475]

The point you made about exposition as ammunition is pretty good - and it‘s something I haven‘t heard being mentioned when exposition is criticized in a movie.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Yes. Exposition in itself isn't bad. But if the only reason for it being said is "to explain", that's when you get into trouble.

[@HipsterEatinShark]

Outstanding! Subscribing. Thanks for this analysis.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Welcome to the Script Sleuth family!

[@cards0486]

The most interesting fact about the screenplay, to me, is when filming started it wasn’t finished. As filming continued it wasn’t finished. Ingrid Bergman said it drove everyone crazy. The writers hadn’t decided if Ilsa would go with Victor or Rick. I’m never sure I believe that part. She HAD to go with Victor. Or maybe the writers made Rick’s speech to her so brilliant we couldn’t imagine Ilsa not staying with Victor.

[@ScriptSleuth]

It really is a miracle it all came together!

[@Music--ng8cd]

Interesting. That makes the film very much a microcosm of what was happening in the world. Also for Ingrid Bergman in particular, her character was torn between the two men she loved so it was probably good for her performance in the film that she did not know how it would end.

[@randysnelgrove6681]

Yes, the script wasn't finished unbelievable. You are also correct about Rick's speech... absolutely brilliant. "Look, Ilsa, I'm no good about being noble..." Now, I'm all fired up and I have to watch it today.

[@elizabethpalladino8301]

Thanks!

[@ScriptSleuth]

You're the best, Elizabeth!!!

[@replicacity92]

Just saw this yesterday for the first time on the big screen it was amazing. 10/10 for me

[@hcm9999]

Casablanca is a miracle considering its production was so chaotic. It is easy to analyze the final product, but most of it was not planned. According to Ingrid Bergman the original script was terrible, it was being rewritten every day as the film was being shot, they didn't know how the film should end, and throughout the entire film she didn't know who she was supposed to be in love with. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXPXgGqDfa95pbs

[@ScriptSleuth]

It really is a miracle, and the fact that it came out better in the end, and not worse, is just unbelievable.

[@sjw5797]

She still got saddled with the worst lines, though.

[@striker8961]

Kinda better that way, since Isla doesn’t know who to love either

[@elijahalbiston]

@@sjw5797 It still works though

[@nsjbudd]

Excellent analysis. Great job!

[@ScriptSleuth]

Thanks for watching!

[@claudespeaks]

Bottom line, in Casablanca there's not a single word of dialog that's "wasted" not a word that's "fluff" and that's why I agree with the Writer's Guild of America, nobody did it or ever will do it better - Casablanca - where every word is classic.

[@ScriptSleuth]

💯%

[@daveperala4723]

This has got to be THE greatest movie EVER. The characters, the plot, the twists. And then, there are, DA BABES. Don't get me wrong, Ilse is fine, but Yevette, damn, just damn.

[@skyeslaton3435]

One of the few films i call perfect

[@williamjones7163]

40 years ago I took a class at the local college called WWII Propaganda in Film. I choose to review Casablanca. I had never seen the film before this class. My review was boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back, but loses her to the campus hero. My professor commented "Well, that is one persons opinion." I did not know that this was his all time favorite movie and I had just dismissed it as a Beach Blanket Bingo with Annette and Frankie movie. Now I have matured and can understand the movie. The times it was made. The story of the events. The conflicts involved. After seeing so much schlock in the cinema, I can see why it was my professor's favorite film.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Thanks for sharing!

[@coopaloopmex]

I've never seen a film with better dialogue. It is the best ever

[@curtis_callison]

Amazing work, just subscribed! Could you breakdown one of my favorite scripts of all time...good will hunting?

[@ScriptSleuth]

Thanks, Curtis! No worries, Good Will Hunting is definitely on the list!

[@curtis_callison]

@@ScriptSleuth Thanks, much appreciated!

[@ScriptSleuth]

Hi Curtis, just in case you missed it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aImVfYyjoZh3bqc

[@rumi9005]

The 'big macguffin' in Casablanca, the letters of transit, are in the best tradition of macguffins as defined by Hitchcock himself. Because the letters are not a real thing. There never was anything like a 'letter of transit' issued by any side or authority during the Second World War. At least, not the bearer bond, blank cheque, 'get out of jail free' kind like those in the movie.

[@theearl1477]

Definitely in my Top 5!

[@ivanhicks887]

Excellent Presentation - The confusion while - making - the film was the basis of its success - Like Life - We live life by the Moment - We do not follow a script even though we try to write one for our Life - I am now writing a documentary "Hidden " In a Life story - Thankyou For Your Lesson -

[@ScriptSleuth]

Thanks for the comment!

[@deniseinsocaldeniseinsocal9510]

Love these videos! Watching the films on the list .

[@ScriptSleuth]

Thanks for tuning in, Denise!

[@PhilMoskowitz]

One of the five great screenplays of cinema. "Network", "All About Eve", "Lawrence of Arabia", "Casablanca" and "The Godfather".

[@ScriptSleuth]

You have excellent taste!

[@johnwhite2576]

What? Where is Chinatown and the third man in that list? C’mon…

[@ChuckJansenII]

Not only does Annina bring about the change in Rick, she also describes Rick's situation with Ilsa. Kill two birds with one flat stone made to skip from one bird to the next.

[@jtcbrt]

The "La Marseillaise" scene has never failed to raise the hairs on the back of my neck, and I've seen the film over 100 times.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Same here!

[@cokonutraw8800]

What makes this movie & script brilliant, what makes it possibly the best is that… It is the birth of the scene. If you’ve seen this movie, you can recall so many scenes. This will become the standard for hollywood to follow forever more, there is a satisfaction in ‘the scene’, and You Tube is proof that people will continually flock to scenes. Hell, most people only can remember a movie by a scene. And, scenes span the gamut - the tarring the rooftop scene in Shawshank Redemption, the dance-off scene in American Wedding, the I am your Father scene from ESB, the Quarterback is toast scene from Die Hard, the Lois falling from a helicopter scene from Superman, the Daniel Laruso is going to fight scene from Karate Kid, the scene of Joker talking to the mob in Dark Knight, the Arnold covered in mud scene in Predator, the Don’t call me Shirley scene from Airplane, the Scotty Doesn’t Know scene from Euro Trip, the I wanna go home scene from Forrest Gump, the He jacked Roger scene from Training Day, the Do you think i’m a little mary ann scene from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s nest, the shower scene from Psycho, the Stella scene from ASND, the leg lamp scene from Christmas Story, the bus scene from The Graduate, the first major battle scene in Braveheart, the ______ scene from Pride & Prejudice, and don’t get me started on The Godfather (which is nothing but one scene after another). But, that was the resonance of Casablanca, it’s several scenes which the audience took away with it.. a legacy which remains to this very day. What is behind the allure of a scene, why do they haunt us.. i dunno. But, I can’t think of a movie prior to Casablanca which exemplified the concept of a scene better.. so i credit it as the game changer.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Excellent commentary! Thanks for your input.

[@PhatLvis]

Nicely analyzed and explained.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Thanks for watching!

[@ScriptSleuth]

More videos are available exclusively for Patreon members: Breaking Bad City of God Cries and Whispers Do the Right Thing Forrest Gump It's a Wonderful Life - Part 1 It's a Wonderful Life - Part 2 Memories of Murder The Lives of Others For access to these videos, go to: www.patreon.com/scriptsleuth

[@SeaJay_Oceans]

Rick's Epic cynical response to Annina, '' Go Back to Bulgaria. ''

[@jimslancio]

An overlooked line, that I love as much as any of them, is where Rick mentions to Ugarte that the German couriers had letters of transit, and Ugarte replies "Oh, uh, I've heard that rumor, too."

[@ScriptSleuth]

It's amazing: there are no wasted lines of dialogue anywhere.

[@poppycock4225]

Holy shit, what a fantastic channel. Some personal recommendations: Carpenter's THE THING, Hitchcock's REAR WINDOW, the Safdies' UNCUT GEMS, or Mamet's GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS

[@ScriptSleuth]

Great suggestions, and thanks for the nice comment!

[@rumi9005]

I had to look up the meaning of 'exposition'. Narrative Exposition - the insertion of background information within a story or narrative.

[@TheWickedFanboy58]

Its up there, but I'd have to include: Sylvester Stallone's Rocky screenplay and William Goldman's Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Excellent choices! 😎

[@TheWickedFanboy58]

@@ScriptSleuth Thanks!😁

[@10Vernonplace]

Love your videos. Can you do Philadelphia Story and Dog Day Afternoon?

[@ScriptSleuth]

Great suggestions! Noted.

[@frankbruno9499]

The script, the script, the script. Everything else falls into place.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Truth!

[@chipcurry]

Superb!!

[@ScriptSleuth]

Thanks for watching!

[@jaytomson7052]

It is #1 in my heart.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Mine, too. 🙂

[@arthurrubiera8029]

Please consider doing an evaluation of a movie that is under the radar. “Captain and Commander, The Far Side of The World”. It is a Masterpiece in its own right!

[@ScriptSleuth]

That's a good one!

[@littleladyinlalaland1749]

Of course I read that Huston, like every other director, told his actresses they had to sleep with him for speaking parts... not sure if it applied to Bergman, but now when I watch all these old movies, I think of all the supporting parts and how these women had to sleep with all the old goats or get fired. And then they made movies about honorable men who would never do such things... kind of a buzzkill for me.

[@charlie-obrien]

Joy Page, the girl who played the young fiance who goes to Rick for advice was the step-daughter of studio head Jack L. Warner. I don't think she had to sleep with anyone to get her part.

[@littleladyinlalaland1749]

@@charlie-obrien oh great, so there's one:)

[@2msvalkyrie529]

Huston did NOT direct Casablanca. !!

[@littleladyinlalaland1749]

@@2msvalkyrie529 I didn't mean it to read that way.

[@billbaggins1688]

Have you done Double Indemnity? Please do Double Indemnity :)

[@williamjones7163]

I support the WGA!!!

[@lifeisashow1813]

I still don't understand what the exposition is. Can anyone please help and explain it to me? Thanks

[@ScriptSleuth]

It's simply information. When characters just spit out information for no reason, it comes off as "on the nose" - the writer is making the character speak to explain something to the audience. This comes off as unnatural. When characters use exposition as ammunition - in other words, to get something they want - then it becomes invisible.

[@eliothorowitz5627]

Not a word of wasted dialogue....and the actors expressions conveyed the emotions.

[@robertolovera4786]

MANY THANKS!

[@ScriptSleuth]

You're welcome, Roberto!

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

I love the movie every time I watch it. Do The Third Man.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@zoltankaparthy9095 Great suggestion!

[@andrewhaldenby4949]

Wonderful thank you

[@ScriptSleuth]

Thanks for watching, Andrew!

[@malimal9191]

‘Casablanca’ is renowned and is justly acknowledged as one of the most romantic films of all time but it is much more than the tale of a love triangle. Of course, it shows that the power of love can affect the human psyche, as demonstrated by Rick’s metamorphosis, but, actually, the film is one of the most subtle pieces of propaganda ever made. Made in the bleakest times of WW2, this film has so many levels to it that it takes many viewings to appreciate them. The main theme is not romance but self-sacrifice as its message to the world at war is to give up the personal agenda for the common cause. It reminds wartime audiences, many of whom have loved ones fighting abroad, that their situation is the same as that of Rick, Ilsa and Victor. Rick’s initial selfishness, (‘I stick my neck out for nobody’ and ‘the problems of the world are not in my department…’), is a metaphor for USA indifference. It must be remembered that the events and politics are hard to comprehend and put into perspective for current audiences than for those living through WW2, not knowing who the victors would be. The script can be considered as a 'State of the Union' address, both for home and foreign policies, in which there are references to Civil Rights, as embodied in Sam and, of course, the debate about America’s involvement in the conflict. Basically, the film is politically motivated because it is a plea to America to join the war. Please note that the action takes place in pre-Pearl Harbour, December, 1941. The screenplay is so intelligently written. It is a masterpiece of complexity, containing subliminal political opinions and messages all carried along on a thrilling plot with brilliant one-liners and memorable quotes, together with comedic elements and contemporary, social commentaries. Michael Curtiz’s direction is multi-faceted: Documentary, Film Noir, German Expressionism, Flashback etc. He is the master of creating the plot via seamlessly connecting a series of rapid-fire vignettes. There is subtle direction and cinematography. For example, Ilsa wears black and white clothes and is cast in shadows and in a mirror which symbolise the ambiguity of her role. POINTS OF INTEREST AND NOTES FOR SUBSEQUENT VIEWINGS. This is the the first non-musical movie to use music almost as an another protagonist, (which Tarantino does now). For example, ‘As Time Goes By’ is a valuable recurring theme and, in Paris, Rick and Ilsa dance to ‘Perfidia’ which means untrustworthiness. Also, ‘Love for Sale’ is played during the dialogue when the Bulgarian girl tells Rick about her ‘offer’ from Renault. Each character represents a country e.g. Two Japanese plotting; the Italian on the tail of the German; American indifference; French collaborators; the British robbed by foreign policy. Even the Balkan problem , (still ongoing), are mentioned via the Bulgarian couple. Quite evidently, Rick’s actions symbolise the USA in its change in policy from isolationism to participation and ‘….the beginning of a beautiful friendship…’ is the USA and Europe joining forces to fight Nazism. The significance of Letters of Transit is a metaphor for the might of America’s power and resources and must be delivered to the right side. The ‘La Marseillaise’ scene is the pivotal moment in which both Ilsa and Rick realise that saving Victor is more important than their own personal relationship. It also comes in just as Rick and Victor are about to argue over Ilsa but both drop the issue when they hear the music. This scene is rousing now but imagine how it must have felt for audiences right in the middle of the war when Germany seemed invincible and modern viewers need to put it in perspective in terms of world events full of Nazi and Japanese domination and when the outcome looked very bleak. The facial close-ups used throughout the film speak a thousand words: but particularly note Ilsa during ‘La Marseillaise’ when her expressions show her admiration of Victor’s power and her realisation that this must be preserved at all costs. POINTS TO WATCH ‘It’s December, 1941 in Casablanca: what time is it in New York?... I bet they are asleep all over America’. PEARL HARBOUR ‘Even Nazis can’t kill that fast’ CONCENTRATION CAMPS ‘I don’t buy or sell human beings..’ CIVIL RIGHTS In any case... there is so much alcohol!!!! On this note, please watch out for glasses knocked over and glasses set upright… The Bulgarian couple keep appearing many times as symbols of hope and determination. In the bar room fight over Yvonne, Rick attacks the German only and not the Frenchman. Captain Renault dumps the bottle of Vichy water to represent his rejection of the Nazi- collaborating French Government which was located in Vichy. Just one example of the excellent and complex scriptwriting occurs immediately after the roulette scene. The girl thanks Rick for letting her husband win and Rick replies, ‘He’s just a lucky guy’, which, on the face of it, refers to the gambling, but, in Rick’s mind, means that the husband is ‘lucky’ because his partner truly loves him. Please imagine what hope the dialogue must have projected when Ilsa states that she’ll wear the blue dress again when Paris is liberated. Nobody then knew when this would be. The quotes from the film are now embedded in popular culture and are mostly said by Rick. However, Captain Renault has some of the best lines: e.g. when asking Rick why he had to leave America, he says, ‘I’d like to think you killed a man: it’s the romantic in me’ ; a gunshot to his heart would be his ‘..least vulnerable part..’; when told where the Letters of Transit were hidden in the piano, ‘’…it’s my fault for not being musical…’: on making the bet with Rick, …’make it 10,000 - I’m only a poor corrupt official…’

[@RanBlakePiano]

Fine thoughts .like your fresh analysis please consider spiral staircase fine organization

[@elmakhloufiyahya9952]

Ricks cafe still running in casablanca city

[@robboinnz]

What do you think about the large flashback section? From screenwriting perspective.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Since the story would not make much sense if we didn't know the backstory of Rick and Ilsa, the flashback in this movie is quite crucial. It provides Rick's character ghost and why he acts the way he does. It's the key incident, without which the story would not exist.

[@milo8425]

Annie Hall. It's so ridiculously good. Woody is unfair.

[@auapplemac1976]

I’ve read a lot of reviews of Casablanca on KZbin and always find it disturbing how so many young adults have such little knowledge of the time period portrayed and the immense effect it had on at least 2 generations.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@auapplemac1976 I agree with you; I have no idea what it was like back then. I'm just focusing on the screenwriting.

[@auapplemac1976]

@@ScriptSleuth Oh, I wasn’t criticizing your presentation. It’s just something that’s been festering in my scattered brain. I really appreciated your dissection.

[@PR-qp8iz]

I read somewhere that the movie began it's production with no finished script.

[@ScriptSleuth]

True. Ingrid Bergman had no idea which man she would end up with!

[@EdenMiller-u7x]

How about including some attention to the evolution of Ilsa?

[@NigelDeForrest-Pearce-cv6ek]

My Favorite Movie!!!

[@HistorywithHannibal]

If you were to make this video today, what techniques would you discuss?

[@ScriptSleuth]

What other films would you like to see me cover? Let me know in a comment below!

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@Andrew-the-Writer Excellent choice.

[@littleladyinlalaland1749]

Back to the Future, Groundhog Day, Clue, Terms of Endearment, Soapdish, Almost Famous.

[@zachsutton6195]

Jaws maybe? Talk about how a simple idea can be extremely well written

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@zachsutton6195 Ask and you shall receive: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nouzaoV3orN4faM

[@robertplattner1636]

Could you please do Double Indemnity?

[@ScriptSleuth]

More Billy Wilder for sure.

[@hebneh]

"I wonder if I know what you mean." "I wonder if you wonder."

[@sumanthkalyan8672]

CAN YOU SHARE THE SYNOPSIS OF THIS FILM ?

[@ScriptSleuth]

Full scene breakdowns and film analyses are only available to patrons: patreon.com/scriptsleuth

[@sampuatisamuel9785]

Very interesting

[@ScriptSleuth]

Thanks for watching, Sam!

[@rshap4082]

I think Jaws is an excellent film. I'd like you to dissect it.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@rshap4082 It's been done already! You can check it out on the channel.

[@kanlee9667]

You didn't mention the dialogue. How many memorable phrases came out of this film? It's a long list.

[@SergeGolikov]

And yet if we are to believe other "authoritative" accounts on the production of this "reluctant classic", the script was being written as the shooting was proceeding. With the final airport scene virtually being written on the last shooting day! This was confirmed by Ingrid Bergman herself on the The Dick Cavett Show in 1978! Who are we to trust in this ever growing mythology? One of my perineal favourites BTW 🍷

[@donsan6404]

please do gladiator the movie.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Definitely 🙂

[@NelsonMontana1234]

Modern filmmakers should be forced to watch this movie 100 times before shooting a frame.

[@ScriptSleuth]

That's not a bad idea!

[@bruceguelden9324]

Possibly the best movie of all time. But for sure, the best love story ever.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Can't argue with that!

[@tonyclifton265]

great video essay. please study "double indemnity" (1944) next! awesome screenplay.

[@ScriptSleuth]

That's a great one!

[@Al.M_IndoCan]

More DEFINETLY. .. But there are MANY movies with single liners that are truely memorable. For example, Pacino in "Scent of a Women" or the 70's "Dog Day Afternoon" or even " "Scorpico", Heat is another one, Which BTW the ONLY movie Pacino and De Niro acted in together - The Godfather doesn't count since it was not TOGETHER.. Speaking of DeNiro what about In "The Deer Hunter" with Meryly Streep . AND Mery Streep IPO is best Actress of ALL TIMES (living or dead) actress "The Ringo Ate My Baby" line Ok I better stop now.. Or I won't eat my lunch again. 😂😂

[@ivanhicks887]

I am 91 - I was 12 in 1945 -My father George Hicks broadcast the D Day Invasion -Why all this History - In 1942 - 43 We were NOT sure we would win the war - This was a "Boost " . In the film WE were winning ! I am a Korean War Vet - In war Everything Is ? The Film The BEST !

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@ivanhicks887 Wow, thanks for sharing!

[@ivanhicks887]

@@ScriptSleuth Thanks for your Great Film Videos

[@prussianjunker1777]

"Chinatown" 1974 ??

[@ScriptSleuth]

Excellent choice! Definitely on the list already.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Your wish has been granted!

[@DavidNash1948]

The screenwriting (alas for analysts), was a chaotic happy accident, as was the casting, the cinematography, the music, and even the acting. Casablanca is most likely beloved because it was not carefully crafted from the beginning, but rather was, like life, a series of happy accidents (a comedy, misieu, not a tragedy)

[@andrzejzborowski4920]

Major Strasser - The Man Who Laughes - Joker

[@chevyyyyyyy]

The slowly-developing LGBTQ ark is kept in suspense until the climax near the end when Rick quits on the beautiful girl Elsa and instead walks away into the myst with the dashing Cpt. Renault.

[@2msvalkyrie529]

You MAY have a point...??! 😅😅