“Cinema Snapshot”
Rick’s Café Américain – “Casablanca”
“Casablanca” (1942)
Rick’s Café Américain is the most memorable location in the classic “Casablanca”. American expatriate Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) keeps his club successful by catering to a wide-ranging clientele. Whether its German Nazis and the sympathetic Vichy French or an assortment of smugglers and gamblers, Rick stays in business by embracing neutrality and adhering to his one policy – “I stick my neck out for nobody”.
Rick’s Place is a bustling den of music, socializing, and backroom gambling. He doesn’t allow the politics or divisions of war in his front door but as tensions rise in the area he finds himself in a precarious position. Things are complicated even more by the surprise appearance of old flame Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) and her resistance leader husband Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid) who is on the run from his Nazi pursuers. All of this makes things around Rick’s Café Américain very interesting.
Keith & the Movies 
Yes, if I could, I would visit Rick’s cafe frequently to listen to Sam play, gamble a little, have some wine. Otherwise, I would apply and work there 😉
LOL! Even today everyone loves Rick’s, right? 🙂
Still my favorite film.
Mine too, hands down!
Years ago we ate here, you might like this post I found.
http://angelaishere.wordpress.com/2011/07/08/casablanca-venice-beach/
Can’t get the link to work on my phone. I’ll check it out later when I get to the office. You have my thoroughly intrigued!
I recently watched Casablanca on Blu-ray and it was flawless. It looked like it was made yesterday.
Will you be making “Cinema Snapshot” a regular feature?
I think it might. I was an idea in the back of my mind meant to spotlight a particular scene, location, or character in a particular movie. If folks like it (and I hope they do) I plan on keeping it up.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and I am with you 100%. “Casablanca” truly fits under the title of timeless. I never grow tired of it. Was Ingrid ever more stunning? Love that movie with a passion!
I wonder if Café Américain still exist today. Great new feature Keith, love this idea for a blog series!
Thanks Ruth. Just a cool little look at a place that helped make “Casablanca” so special to me. Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Another classic movie I’ve never seen (hangs head in shame). I really need to try harder with the oldies!
Ouch! It’s my favorite film of all time. I never get tired of it. You really should make a point to see this gem. You won’t go away disappointed.