Play it Over & Over Again Warner Brothers ****

Rating: 10/10 (16 September 2006)

"Casablanca," a memorable 1943 film,received the Oscar for best picture. In those years, the academy nominated 10 films. That practice would end the following year when only 5 films would receive nominations. While my favorite for 1943 was "For Whom the Bell Tolls, I have to admit that "Casablanca" is a film classic which will survive throughout time to come.
Humphrey Bogart was phenomenal in the role of Rick, the casino owner who finds his love Elsa, so well portrayed by Ingrid Bergman. Problem is that Elsa has married Paul Henreid, who gives another excellent performance in the tradition of "Now, Voyager," which was the year before.
Claude Rains is just great as the police official who knows that Rick is right in a setting with a pro-Nazi government.
Who can forget the lines- PLAY IT AGAIN SAM, HERE'S TO YOU KID, LOUIE, IT'S THE START OF A BEAUTIFUL FRIENDSHIP, ROUND UP THE USUAL SUSPECTS.
Made during World War 11, the film evoked much sympathy from its audiences. An oddity in the Oscar voting was while the picture and director won, Bogart and Claude Rains, the latter in a supporting role, both lost the coveted Oscar to Paul Lukas and Charles Coburn respectively. Bergman was not nominated here but did snag a nomination that year for "For Whom the Bell Tolls."
Casablanca has always been a sight for intrigue in motion pictures. It just continues with this memorable film.
Keep playing it again Warner Brothers.