In November 1942, Casablanca was released in New York City. For this Throwback Thursday, let's look at what is, arguably, one of the most beloved films of all time and which remains influential.
Oscar darling La La Land subtly and overtly references many classic Hollywood movies and musicals including Casablanca, such as Mia's fascination with Ingrid Bergman.
The recently published book We'll Always Have Casablanca is an entertaining exploration of the film's origins and afterlife. The title is a reference to a much-quoted line of the film, "We'll always have Paris." Originally penned as a play that was never produced, Casablanca transformed into film project. Many involved didn't think the film had a lot of promise. But upon its release, it became a moviegoers' darling and an Oscar winner, and took on a life of its own.
Part of Casablanca's enduring appeal is its stars. Humphrey Bogart was already a working actor, often cast as a gangster, with a good number of films under his belt. It was Casablanca and Bogart's other films of the early 1940s, such as The Maltese Falcon, that made Bogart into one of Hollywood's most recognizable leading men.
Bergman, on the other hand, had arrived from Sweden only a few years before. But the beautiful, poised and somewhat unconventional actress would go on to become both a popular and critically acclaimed star and win Oscars for her roles in Gaslight, Anastasia and Murder on the Orient Express.
Here's looking at you, Casablanca. You're still great 75 years on.
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