Casablanca...

The spell never seems to diminish,and once more, I couldn't be happier for that!

And I was, yet again,drawn into the world of Casablanca,where so many different lives converged.

The atmosphere - rife with intrigue,spies,romance,politics,betrayal and the enchanting 'As Time Goes By' in Rick's Cafe Americaine - has always seemed to me almost sinister with the black-and-white photography.

Once more I wondered about Rick - cynical,brutally neutral Rick - and what it must have cost him to say 'Of all the gin joints in all towns in all the world,she walks into mine' letting us see the hurt and anger and bitterness inside.

Each time I watch Casablanca,there seems to be one more unnoticed shadowy corner which could spring yet another surprise.

This time,however,there was no shadowy corner but something right on centrestage -
S. K. Sakall as the cheerful Carl - he is such a joy to watch!

I appreciated his 'I have already given him(Major Strasser) the best,knowing he is German and would have taken it anyway' for the first time..!

And Madeleine LeBeau - she is simply luminous - with the self-realization in her eyes as she sings 'Vive La France'

I was especially touched,after knowing Marcel Dalio(croupier) and LeBeau's life story, the script seemed to be directly based on their story - fleeing Paris all the way to Lisbon, bribing corrupt officials for exit visas - the works!

In the turmoil of WWII, it seems like there was Casablanca for each man and woman.


Holding hands 'neath the paddle fans
In Rick's candle lit cafe
Hiding in the shadows from the spies
Moroccan moonlight in your eyes

where else but Casablanca..