Yearly Archives: 2014

5 Phenomenal Working Directors

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Can anyone question the fact that we have an exceptional group of directors making movies these days? From gorgeous visual spectacles to unique humors and styles, many directors have established themselves in the art of filmmaking. Many have developed such director-specific styles that you immediately recognize their work in their films. I restricted this Phenomenal 5 list to working directors – in other words directors who are still currently making movies. I factored in not just a director’s body of work but also their influence on the industry and creative uniqueness. There are so many great directors out there and certainly some that I hated to leave off. So, as always, I wouldn’t call this the definitive list, but there’s no denying that these working directors are absolutely phenomenal.

#5 – STEVEN SPIELBERG

SPielberg

Steven Spielberg has solidified his status as one of the most accomplished director’s in film history. He has received six Oscar nominations for Best Director and has won twice. He has directed several critically acclaimed films but he’s also directed some of the most successful box office pictures in film history. His directing credits reach back into the 70’s where he brought us “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and the wonderful classic “Jaws”. He really excelled in the 80’s directing the fantastic “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and two “Indiana Jones” sequels, “E.T.”, and “The Color Purple”. The 90’s were just as good as Spielberg directed two “Jurassic Park” pictures and the Oscar-winning “Schindler’s List” and “Saving Private Ryan”. Since then he’s directed a wide variety of films such as “Minority Report”, “Catch Me if You Can”, “War of the Worlds”, “The Adventures of Tintin”, and “Warhorse”. There are several forgettable films sprinkled throughout that I haven’t mentioned and there is a good argument that Spielberg has become more about presentation than substance. But you can’t question his contributions to cinema and I couldn’t leave him off this list.

#4 – MARTIN SCORSESE

SCORSESE

From priesthood to filmmaking, Martin Scorsese’s life took a major turn when he entered the movie industry. He started his career directing shorts but it was 1973’s “Mean Streets” that gave moviegoers their first real look at a style and grit that would become synonymous with a Scorsese film. He has been nominated for the Best Director Oscar five times, winning once and has had memorable collaborations with Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio. Scorsese’s early career includes films such as “Taxi Driver” and “Raging Bull”. But other than “Raging Bull”, Scorsese didn’t offer much in the 80’s. Then along came “Goodfellas” in 1990, a film considered by many to be the quintessential gangster picture. The 90’s also gave us “Cape Fear”, “The Age of Innocence”, and “Casino”. In 2002 Scorsese garnered more critical praise for his gangster period piece “Gangs of New York” followed by his 2004 Howard Hughes biopic “The Aviator”, and the film that earned him his one Oscar, “The Departed”. Recently he has reached into new genres with the underrated psychological thriller “Shutter Island” and the fine family film “Hugo”. Scorsese may not appeal to everyone mainly due to the large number of his films that share the same dark and violent themes and tones. But there’s no denying his filmmaking skills and I love that he’s expanding into new genres.

#3 – RIDLEY SCOTT

RIDLEY

It says a lot when only your second film becomes an all-time science fiction classic. Such was the case for Ridley Scott and 1979’s “Alien”, a movie that inspired many sci-fi films that would follow. A three-time Oscar nominee for Best Director, Scott’s resume is filled with a variety of films but he seems to be at his best making historical period pictures. After starting his career with the period film “The Duellists”. He followed up “Alien” with the sci-fi cult classic “Blade Runner” and the less impressive “Legend”. He jumped into the 90’s with “Thelma and Louise”, a critical and commercial success. But it was in 2000 and 2001 where Scott directed two films that have become favorites of mine: “Gladiator” and “Black Hawk Down”. Both are gritty action movies and both are made with such sharp detail and a visual flair that Scott has become known for. Scott then directed the underrated historical epic “Kingdom of Heaven”, the crime drama “American Gangster”, and the spy film “Body of Lies”. In 2010, Scott directed the epic-scale “Robin Hood”, his fifth movie with Russell Crowe. In 2012 Scott returned to science fiction with “Prometheus”. Scott may not have the fattest resume but his contributions to the sci-fi, action, and historical genres can’t be questioned. He’s a director with a gripping visual style and many of his films have really resonated with me.

#2 – CHRISTOPHER NOLAN

NOLAN

I figure several jaws will drop and eyes will roll at me putting Christopher Nolan ahead of such greats as Spielberg and Scorsese. But Nolan has won me over with his incredible style and storytelling skills. Nolan’s genius is also tied into his ability to write. He’s written almost every film he’s directed and the personal connection shows itself on-screen. His films are layered and often challenging. And while his resume isn’t as full as other directors, he has yet to make a bad movie. That’s quite a compliment. Nolan started with the intriguing small independent film “Following”. But in 1998 he caught they eyes of movie fans with his complex but mesmerizing “Memento”. The film won him several independent movie awards. He then directed Al Pacino and Robin Williams in the well received “Insomnia”. But it was in 2005 that Nolan stepped into the superhero genre and directed “Batman Begins”, the reboot of a franchise that had been left in shambles. It was a brilliantly crafted picture that truly legitimized the genre. After 2006’s fun movie “The Prestige”, Nolan made “The Dark Knight”, the second film in his Batman trilogy and a movie that’s become one of my favorites of all time. It went beyond just being a comic book movie. Then in 2010 Nolan made the intensely challenging and beautifully structured “Inception”, a dream-based heist picture unlike anything that’s been done before. Nolan nicely wrapped up his Batman trilogy with “The Dark Knight Rises” and “Interstellar” is on the way. Nolan has shown himself to be a creative genius and true visual storyteller. His ability to write allows him to craft stories that directly connect to his own unique directing style. The results so far have been incredible.

#1 – JOEL & ETHAN COEN

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Much like Christopher Nolan, The Coen brothers have a personal connection with the material they direct. As writers they have created some of the most memorable films of the last 30 years. As directors they have brought those projects to the big screen with a signature style that is unlike any other. You truly know a Coen brothers film when you see one. They examine familiar themes and weave them throughout their unique assortment of movies. They also use familiar performers and create films with different regional flavors. There first movie was 1984’s “Blood Simple”, a crime thriller that immediately revealed the brothers style of filmmaking. In 1987 they made “Raising Arizona”, one of the funniest movies of all time that showed the brothers’ quirky off-the-wall sense of humor. The 90’s brought several great films including “Miller’s Crossing”, an underappreciated gangster picture, the critically acclaimed “Barton Fink”, and the quirky crime thriller “Fargo”. In 2000 the brothers made “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”, their first of three collaborations with George Clooney. Three movies later, the Coens directed what is one of my favorite films “No Country for Old Men”. They won three Oscars for the movie including Best Director, Best Picture, and Best Adapted Screenplay. They followed it with two comedy’s “Burn After Reading” and “A Serious Man”. In 2010 they stretched their boundaries again by remaking the John Wayne classic “True Grit” and more recently they went “Inside Llewyn Davis”. The Coens are filmmakers that may not appeal to everyone but there’s no denying their craftmanship and unique style. Their movies are unlike any other and if I see their name attached, I’m automatically intrigued.

So there you have my list. I automatically know some directors that many will think of. Tell me about them. Who are your Top 5 working directors. Be sure to share them in the comments section below..

A “Casablanca” Character Guide for Newcomers

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There are a lot of specific things about “Casablanca” that is worth spending time on. So many perfect ingredients made the film the motion picture classic that it is today. When speaking of the film to those who haven’t seen it I always start by talking about the characters. Few movies can boast of a richer and more entertaining cast of characters. “Casablanca” has given us truly memorable people who brim with personality and life. In light of that, consider this a new viewers guide to this brilliant assortment of characters that help make “Casablanca” so superb.

Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart)

CASA RICK

When talking about the characters of “Casablanca” you obviously must start with Rick Blaine. Rick has settled in Casablanca where he runs a fiery club called Rick’s Café Américain. Rick is a seemingly cold and distant proprietor who only looks out for himself. He is an American expatriate who we learn is no longer allowed back in the United States. He has a sketchy past and some of his current club dealings are a bit shady. But we get glimpses that he isn’t the self-centered and uncaring soul he pretends to be. Rick is the centerpiece of the film and it is his relationships with every other character that shapes and forms the entire story.

Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman)

casa Ilsa

Ilsa was a beautiful Norwegian who managed to completely change Rick’s life not once, but twice. We first meet her when she arrives at Rick’s Café Américain with her husband Victor Lazlo. Her meeting with Rick lets us know that there is more history between the two than we may think. Ilsa had a difficult and challenging life especially after the onset of World War II. She lived for a while thinking her husband had been killed in a concentration camp. Her life was complicated even more when she first met Rick and fell in love only to find later that her husband was still alive. It’s that history that makes her second meeting with Rick a bit contentious.

Victor Lazlo (Paul Henreid)

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Victor Lazlo is a well know anti-Nazi underground hero. His reputation grew after he escaped from a concentration camp and later eluded the grasp of Hitler’s Third Reich. But this Czech Resistance leader enters “neutral” Casablanca as a fugitive along with his wife Ilsa. With the Nazi’s breathing down his neck, Lazlo arranges a meeting in Casablanca where he hopes to acquire exit visas for he and his wife. Lazlo is a bold and courageous man who will sacrifice all to stop the ruthless Nazi aggression. He’s also a man who loves Ilsa deeply which adds an interesting flavor to their visit to Rick’s place.

Captain Louis Renault (Claude Rains)

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He’s perhaps the most complex character in the entire film. Captain Renault is the head of the Vichy controlled police in Casablanca. He is unashamedly corrupt and never pretends to be otherwise. Whether he is accepting gambling bribes from Rick or signing exit visas for favors from the prettiest of applicants, Renault rarely shows any sign of a conscience. But he is also in a tight spot. Lazlo’s arrival in Casablanca also brings a stronger Nazi presence and Renault’s hint of control hinges on the Nazis allowing it. Considering his lack of scruples, the question is how far will he go to protect his control and his own hide.

Major Heinrich Strasser (Conrad Veidt)

casa Strasser

Leading the search for Victor Lazlo is Major Strasser. The arrogant and overconfident Third Reich leader is determined to make sure Lazlo doesn’t leave Casablanca. Renault may appear to be the man in charge, but on numerous occasions Strasser proves that it is he and the Nazi regime that pulls the strings. Strasser is deceptive in that he always maintains a coolness about him. But simply listening to his words lets us know that he believes in Nazi supremacy and he will make sure it ultimately comes to pass.

Signor Ugarte (Peter Lorre)

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Ugarte is a small-time crook who has recently “acquired” letters of transit. How did he get them? He killed two German couriers. The Nazi’s are hot on his trail so he comes to Rick’s place in hopes of stashing them. Ugarte’s reputation precedes him and even Rick keeps his distance. But Ugarte soon realizes he is in way over his head and Rick may not be the best person to look to for help.

Sam (Dooley Wilson)

casa Sam

Rick’s place wouldn’t be the same without piano player Sam. Rick’s relationship with Sam is more than professional. In fact it could be said that Sam in Rick’s one true friend and Sam clearly knows Rick better than anyone else on earth. Sam was in Paris when Rick and Ilsa first met. He knows the scars Rick has as a result of it and he knows the trouble that could come from her return. Sam is always loyal to his friend and even though other opportunities have come (for example a generous offer from Ferrari to work at a rival club), Sam will never leave Rick’s side.

Signor Ferrari (Sydney Greenstreet)

casa ferrari

Ferrari is the owner of a rival club called The Blue Parrot. Ferrari has an undeniable corrupt side to him, but he still maintains a friendly relationship with Rick. He is always looking for a way to make more money whether it’s buying Rick’s club, hiring away Sam or by more dubious means such a smuggling people from hear to there. Ferrari always seems to pop up whenever there is potential profit to be made, but he could also be a good person to have on your side in times of need.

Carl, the Waiter (S. K. Sakall)

casa Carl

Carl is another great piece that makes Rick’s Café Américain such a great place to visit. Carl is a friendly and passionate fellow whose loyalty to Rick is shown numerous times. We learn that Rick trusts Carl implicitly and he cares for him to the point of making sure he is taken care of even when he club looks to be in jeopardy.

Sascha, the Bartender (Leonid Kinskey)

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Manning the bar is the lovable Sascha. He is another of Rick’s loyal employees whose strong relationship with his boss proves itself numerous times. Sascha also doesn’t mind sharing his affection for one certain French woman named Yvonne. He is a fun-loving bartender but he also is dependable when things take more serious turns.

What’s a movie without great characters, right? Well “Casablanca” has some of the best and this is an introduction to ten of them. But there are even more scattered throughout this wonderful movie. Hopefully you’ll take time to meet them all. I promise that it is well worth it.

THE END

Your Voices: On “Casablanca”

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Your Voices

Your Voices is a simple concept created to encourage conversation and opinions between movie lovers. It works like this: I throw out a certain topic and I’ll take time to make my case or share my opinions. Then it’s time for Your Voices. Head to the comments section and let fellow readers and moviegoers know your thoughts on the topic for that day!

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Bogart and Bergman – “Casablanca”

As regular readers have noticed, this is a week-long celebration of the 1942 classic “Casablanca”. Now many films have been granted the title of “classic” but they often times don’t deserve them. Some of these films have stood the test of time while others have seen their praise shrink and new criticisms surface. So how does “Casablanca” stand now that over 70 years have passed? Has it maintained the magic that once heralded it as a motion picture classic or has it faded like many of the Golden Age flowers?

For me the answer is simple. “Casablanca” is the greatest movie ever made (yes I know that is an impossible title to justify). “Casablanca” managed to capture the perfect mixture of ingredients that not only produced a phenomenal movie of its time, but it has only gotten better with age. The cinematic mastery both in front of and behind the camera is a true rarity. The simmering chemistry between Bogart and Bergman. The top-notch supporting cast featuring Henreid, Rains, Veidt, Lorre, Greenstreet, etc. Curtiz’s impeccable direction. The Epsteins (and Koch) flawless script. For me “Casablanca” is the perfect film and it is one of the few movies that I would categorize as timeless. But those are my thoughts. What about you?

YOUR VOICES: “Casablanca” – One of the best films ever made or just a good movie?

Now it’s time for Your Voices. So what do YOU think of “Casablanca”? Does it deserve the high praise it has received? Do you even like the film? Please share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. After all, this is all about Your Voices and I can’t wait to hear what you have to say.

“Casablanca” – Behind the Scenes

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My week-long look at my favorite film “Casablanca” continues with a glance behind the scenes of this classic movie. Every film, regardless of how big or how small, has stories about its creation. Below are a handful of behind the scenes photos that I hope fans of “Casablanca” or classic movies in general will enjoy.

A promotional still featuring cast members from "Casablanca". Included in the photo are Humphrey Bogart, Claude Rains, Ingrid Bergman, and Paul Henreid

A promotional still featuring cast members from “Casablanca”. Included in the photo are Humphrey Bogart, Claude Rains, Ingrid Bergman, and Paul Henreid

 

Cast members of "Casablanca" were known to spend down time enjoying competitive games of chess. In fact, it is said that while watching Bergman play, Bogart uttered "Here's looking at you", a phrase that he would bring into the movie via improvisation. Of course that line would become one of the film's many memorable quotes.

Cast members of “Casablanca” were known to spend down time enjoying competitive games of chess. In fact, it is said that while watching Bergman play, Bogart uttered “Here’s looking at you”, a phrase that he would bring into the movie via improvisation. Of course that line would become one of the film’s many memorable quotes.

 

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Julies and Philip Epstein were screenwriting brothers who worked on much of the “Casablanca” script. They would leave midway through to help Frank Capra on the “Why We Fight” documentary series following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Afterwards they returned to “Casablanca” and took over for fill-in writer Howard Koch. All three men would win Oscars for their collaborative screenplay.

 

This is a studio set still of the Paris train station. The scene is important to the story as it reveals why Rick has become so callous and distant. The scene at the train station takes place as the Nazi's are preparing to enter Paris. The chaotic flow of people trying to leave the city and the mood-setting downpour of rain helped give the scene its amazing life.

This is a studio set still of the Paris train station. The scene is important to the story as it reveals why Rick has become so callous and distant. The scene at the train station takes place as the Nazi’s are preparing to enter Paris. The chaotic flow of people trying to leave the city and the mood-setting downpour of rain helped give the scene its amazing life.

 

A promotional still featuring the beautiful Ingrid Bergman. At the time of her casting Bergman had decent success in Hollywood but it was "Casablanca" that catapulted her into stardom. The Swedish actress was under contract with David O. Selznick at the time but Selznick agreed to lend her to Warner Brothers in exchange for Olivia de Havilland. The rest is moviemaking history. Bergman blew audiences away and over time became one of the greatest actresses ever to grace the screen.

A promotional still featuring the beautiful Ingrid Bergman. At the time of her casting Bergman had decent success in Hollywood but it was “Casablanca” that catapulted her into stardom. The Swedish actress was under contract with David O. Selznick at the time but Selznick agreed to lend her to Warner Brothers in exchange for Olivia de Havilland. The rest is moviemaking history. Bergman blew audiences away and over time became one of the greatest actresses ever to grace the screen.

 

This interesting photo captures Bogart sitting on a tall ladder making some home movies of his experience on set.

This interesting photo captures Bogart sitting on a tall ladder making some home movies of his experience on set. The scene looks to be the black market roundup sequence. Bogart made many home movies so seeing him with a video camera in his hand is no surprise.

 

Everyone loves Rick's. "Casablanca" features many memorable treats and one of them is Rick's Café Américain. Much of the film takes place within the walls of Rick's club so creating an environment filled with vibrancy was vital.

Everyone loves Rick’s. “Casablanca” features many memorable treats and one of them is Rick’s Café Américain. Much of the film takes place within the walls of Rick’s club so creating an environment filled with vibrancy was vital. Here we see the crew shooting one of the scenes in this unforgettable place.

 

One of the key reasons why "Casablanca" is such a tremendous movie is the sizzling chemistry between Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Surprisingly the two never made another film together. In fact, despite their mutual respect for each other, they rarely spoke to each other. One reason for that could have been Mayo Methot, Bogart's volatile wife at the time. She made life tough for Bogart even storming on set one day and accusing Bogie of having an affair with Bergman.

One of the key reasons why “Casablanca” is such a tremendous movie is the sizzling chemistry between Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Surprisingly the two never made another film together. In fact, despite their mutual respect for each other, they rarely spoke. One reason for that could have been Mayo Methot, Bogart’s volatile wife at the time. She made life tough for Bogart even storming on set one day and accusing Bogie of having an affair with Bergman.

 

Casa AIRPORT

The now iconic final scene turned out to be a headache for director Michael Curtiz (seen here behind the camera) and the writing team. It featured numerous changes of course. One ending had Ilsa leaving with Rick and another had her leaving with Victor. Even when that decision was made some of the cast was called back to shoot the great final shot. Many of the cast members would go on to talk about the stress of wrapping up the picture.

 

THE END

REVIEW: “Casablanca”

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How is it that I have been movie blogging in some fashion for over three years yet I’ve never reviewed my favorite movie of all time? Well it’s time to remedy that. That opening line probably spoils any mystery about my final score, but that’s perfectly okay. To me “Casablanca” is a perfect film and I owe a lot to it for broadening my appreciation for classic cinema and for introducing me to my favorite actor of all time – Humphrey Bogart.

The world of cinema has long regarded “Casablanca” as a true classic. Often times I rebel against that kind of establishment recognition but in some cases they get it right. This is one of those instances. “Casablanca” is a classic in every sense of the word. Whether your talking about the flawless direction from Hungarian born Michael Curtiz, the brilliant screenplay brought together by a number of people including brothers Julius and Philip Epstein, Casey Robinson, and Howard Koch, or the spectacular cast led by the cool confident Bogart and the stunningly beautiful Ingrid Bergman. “Casablanca” not only has all of the ingredients for a true classic, but it doesn’t waste any of them.

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Warner Brothers didn’t have very high expectations for the film. In fact it was rushed through to its release in order to capitalize on the North African campaign of World War 2. The initial response was lukewarm but the film would quickly prove itself and ended up winning three Oscars including Best Picture. Over the years the appreciation for the film has only grown and with good reason. It truly is something special. Romance, patriotism, humor, suspense – “Casablanca” has it all.

Bogart leads the way as the complex Rick Blaine. He owns and runs Rick’s Café Américain, a popular nightclub in 1941 Vichy controlled Casablanca. He keeps his business flourishing during a tumultuous wartime by being neutral and “sticking his neck out for nobody”. He’s surrounded by a great assortment of supporting characters, many played by some of Hollywood’s best at the time. Claude Rains received an Oscar nomination for his turn as a corrupt Vichy Captain with a special interest in Rick. The great Sydney Greenstreet plays a rival club owner. Consummate character actor Peter Lorre plays a crook who is in way over his head. And there’s Dooley Wilson as Rick’s loyal friend and club piano player Sam. Fun fact – Dooley was a drummer and didn’t know how to play the piano at all. Yet his character’s singing and playing of “As Time Goes By” is unforgettable.

But Rick’s well controlled life takes a dramatic turn when the former love of his life Ilsa (Bergman) shows up at his club. Ilsa’s husband Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid), a well known Czech resistance leader and fugitive from the Nazis, is with her. They seek Rick’s help to get out of the country before the Nazi Major Strasser (Conrad Veidt) catches up to them. Rick is reluctant due to the bitterness of having his heart broken and his desire to maintain his establishment’s neutrality. Does he risk it all for the woman he once loved?

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“Casablanca” captures and utilizes so many things well. There’s a high level of suspense. There’s a touch of humor. There is a great realization of wartime tensions. And right in the middle of it all is what may be the best romance in cinema history. Bogie and Bergman have a sizzling chemistry and the looming threats and high stakes all around them adds such a pop to their relationship. Bogie is a hurt man hiding behind a convincing facade of tough coolness. Bergman is brave but torn and she was never more beautiful than in “Casablanca”. It’s impossible not to be completely absorbed in these two and the intense circumstances surrounding them.

There isn’t a bad performance in “Casablanca”. There isn’t a wasted line or wasted shot. There’s never a down moment. It’s pacing its absolutely perfect. The camera work and stage design is impeccable. The romance simmers. The story is smart and fluid. I could go on and on. As I said, “Casablanca” is rightly called a classic. It accomplishes so much that modern movies with their massive budgets and greater technologies seldom lay hold of. It’s beautiful storytelling with one memorable line after another and a Bogart performance that forever etched his name in film history. It’s my favorite movie and I can never see it enough.

VERDICT – 5 STARS

5 STARSs

5STAR K&M

5 Phenomenally Fun Facts About “Casablanca”

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PHENOM 5

This entire week I am celebrating my favorite movie ever made – “Casablanca”. I’m launching it with a Phenomenal 5 focused on some amazing fun facts surrounding this great picture. Naturally with such great appreciation for a film comes tons of wonderful trivia bits, cool details, and fun facts. Here are just five of the many I could mention. Now considering the greatness of “Casablanca” I wouldn’t call this the definitive list. But there is no denying that these five fun “Casablanca” facts are absolutely phenomenal.

#5 – The Unlikable Paul Henreid

HENRIED

The key character of Victor Lazlo was played by the accomplished Austrian actor Paul Henreid. Henreid wasn’t keen on the role from the very start because he felt it shed a bad light on him. In fact, he would only agree to do the film if his name was included in the top billing with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Apparently this dissatisfaction carried over into his relationships with his co-stars. It was reported that Henreid viewed Bogart as a mediocre actor and his attitudes led Bergman to label him as a “prima donna”. With that kind of stress it’s amazing that things went smoothly at all.

#4 – “Play it again, Sam”???

Rick and Sam

“Casablanca” is known for having some of the greatest quotes in cinema history. It also has one of the most commonly misquoted lines. The frequently quoted “Play it game, Sam” never leaves the lips of Rick yet most people identify that line with the movie. Woody Allen even made a film with the misquote as the title. Actually neither a heartbroken Rick nor a reminiscing Ilsa utter the words. Rick says “You played it for her, you can play it for me.” Ilsa says “Play it, Sam. Play ‘As Time Goes By”‘. They are both great moments but neither feature the popular quote we hear so often.

#3 – Sam the Drummer

SAM

Every fan of “Casablanca” has a strong affection for Rick’s best friend and club pianist Sam (played by Dooley Wilson). Sam was there when Rick and Ilsa fell in love and he saw the painful effect Ilsa’s departure had on Rick. He knew the importance of the song “As Time Goes By” and he played it on his piano with such passion. Sam’s piano playing was as much of a part of Rick’s Café Américain as anything else. But here’s the funny thing – Dooley was a professional drummer and he faked playing the piano in the movie. In fact, during the scenes pianist Elliot Carpenter was actually playing behind a curtain.

#2 – “Here’s looking at you, kid”

LOOKING ATYOU

I talked a little about the timeless quotes sprinkled all throughout “Casablanca”. One of the most well known and beloved ones is Bogart’s incredibly cool line “Here’s looking at you, kid”. We hear it during the wonderful Paris flashback sequence and then later on close to the end. What’s amazing is that the line was completely improvised by Bogart. It was never a part of the script but Bogart, who had actually used the line in an earlier film, threw it out there and it absolutely worked perfectly. It’s amazing that one of cinema’s greatest lines was actually a product of improvisation.

#1 – Bogart vs. Bergman: Who was really the tallest?

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As a huge Humphrey Bogart fan there are several facts about the actor that are well known to me. One such fact centers around his height. Bogart was a short man measuring in at 5’9. Ingrid Bergman was actually a little taller than Bogie and a number of adjustments were made to remedy that on screen. Bogie sometimes sat on pillows while Bergman slouched in order to make him appear taller. Other tricks required Bogart to stand on boxes strategically hidden out of the camera’s sight. But despite his height restrictions, Bogart still gave us one of film’s coolest characters.

So “Casablanca” week is officially underway. Hope you enjoyed this “Casablanca” based Phenomenal 5. What did you think of the list? Any thoughts about these cool facts? Have some more you would like to share? Please take time to toss them out in the comments section below.