 Casablanca (1942) In World War II Casablanca, Rick Blaine, exiled American and former freedom
fighter, runs the most popular nightspot in town. The cynical lone wolf
Blaine comes into the possession of two valuable letters of transit. When
Nazi Major Strasser arrives in Casablanca, the sycophantic police Captain
Renault does what he can to please him, including detaining Czech
underground leader Victor Laszlo. Much to Rick's surprise, Lazslo arrives
with Ilsa, Rick's one time love. Rick is very bitter towards Ilsa, who ran
out on him in Paris, but when he learns she had good reason to, they plan
to run off together again using the letters of transit. Well, that was
their original plan....
During World War II, Europeans who were fleeing from the Germans, sought
refuge in America. But to get there they would first have to go Casablanca
and once they get there, they have to obtain exit visas which are not very
easy to come by. Now the hottest spot in all of Casablanca is Rick's Cafe
which is operated by Rick Blaine, an American expatriate, who for some
reason can't return there, and he is also extremely cynical. Now it seems
that two German couriers were killed and the documents they were carrying
were taken. Now one of Rick's regulars, Ugarte entrusts to him some letters
of transit, which he intends to sell but before he does he is arrested for
killing the couriers. Captain Renault, the Chief of Police, who is neutral
in his political views, informs Rick that Victor Laszlo, the European
Resistance leader, is in Casablanca and will do anything to get an exit
visa but Renault has been "told" by Major Strasser of the Gestapo, to keep
Laszlo in Casablanca. Laszlo goes to Rick's to meet Ugarte, because he was
the one Ugarte was going to sell the letters to. But since Ugarte was
arrested he has to find another way. Accompanying him is Ilsa Lund, who
knew Rick when he was in Paris, and when they meet some of Rick's old
wounds reopen. It is obvious that Rick's stone heart was because of her
leaving him. And when they learn that Rick has the letters, he refuses to
give them to him, because "he doesn't stick his neck out for anyone".
Rick Blaine, who owns a nightclub in Casablanca, discovers his old flame
Ilsa is in town with her husband, Victor Laszlo. Laszlo is a Resistance
leader, and with Germans on his tail, Ilsa knows Rick can help them get out
of the country - but will he? |
