"You must remember this... "

More than any other film in Hollywood history Casablanca I believe inspires sentimental feelings.  Just another Warner Brothers picture at the time of its release, it has come to be known as one of the greatest films in Hollywood history.  Casablanca's appeal centers around the captivating love story played out between its two central characters Rick and Ilsa.  Competently portrayed by legends Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, their story is one of tragedy redeemed through the events that happened in one Moroccan town, Casablanca. 

Casablanca was released in 1943 at the eve of the US involvement in the European War.  It may seem a bit strange that it does not involve any battles or other usual elements of World War II films.  In fact the film has very little to do with the war at all, mostly using it as a backdrop for the intrigue of the film.  The film involves  Ilsa arriving in Casablanca with European patriot Victor Laszlo.  Unbeknownst to Laszlo she has had a romantic history with Rick, the American owner of a local nightclub.  When Rick and Ilsa reunite after she abandoned him in Paris at the eve of the German invasion memories resurface of their time in Paris and the love they shared.  This is no easy reunification as Ilsa is torn between the love she still has for Rick and her belief in Laszlo's cause and her importance to his escape to America. 

Over time though, Rick realizes that he still loves Ilsa and arranges for her to leave with Laszlo because it is the right thing to do.  Ilsa wants to escape with Rick but in the end she realizes that Rick is right and they both part saying that "they'll always have Paris" to remember each other by. 

The opening melody of "As Time Goes By" will bring back a flood of memory for anyone who has seen this film over it's 60 year history.  Maybe it will also bring back memories of a long lost love or a rendezvous never kept.  It inspires us to remember that passion and true love are two different things but can so easily be confused.  Ilsa always loved Laszlo, they were married before she met Rick.  Her passion for Rick was deeply felt but it could ultimately not be restored to sacrifice the importance of Lazslo's principles.

We are a long way from 1943 now, and the issues of the French resistance are past us.  However, this film endures because it inspires us all to follow the passions of our hearts and to hold true to beliefs that bind us together.  Love will always exist and has proven to have endured long after the power of the Nazi regime of hate and violence. 

Also starring the wonderful Claude Rains as the prefect of police whose involvement with Rick and the others in the film led to "the beginning of a beautiful friendship".  No only was it the beginning of Rick and Louis' friendship but also America's friendship with this film, leading millions of people to sit down in front of the screen year after year and make the most famous of all on-screen requests, "Play it Sam, play 'As Time Goes By'".

Casablanca won 3 Academy awards in 1943: Best Picture, Best Direction and Best Writing.