Tag Archives: Casablanca

You know what you need to do with that Vichy Water!

Posted on January 21, 2025 by sheila

Captain Renault: Well, Rick, you’re not only a sentimentalist, but you’ve become a patriot. Rick: It seemed like a good time to start. Captain Renault: Perhaps you’re right. Rick is always right!

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Happy Bastille Day

Posted on July 14, 2014 by sheila

One of the best scenes in cinema, the scene of the “dueling anthems” in Casablanca, when the crowd drowns out the German anthem with “La Marseillaise”. Gives me goosebumps every time, especially considering that most of those extras and actors … Continue reading →

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Dueling Anthems: Memo From Hal Wallis

Posted on November 26, 2012 by sheila

70 years ago today, Casablanca premiered. Memo from Casablanca producer Hal Wallis to Max Steiner, composer: On the Marseilles, when it is played in the Cafe, don’t do it as though it was played by this small orchestra. Do it … Continue reading →

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The Books: The Making of Casablanca: Bogart, Bergman, and World War II, by Aljean Harmetz

Posted on March 30, 2012 by sheila

Next book on the Hollywood shelf: The Making of Casablanca: Bogart, Bergman, and World War II, by Aljean Harmetz The book was first published under the title Round Up the Usual Suspects, which I like better, but that’s neither here … Continue reading →

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“As Time Goes By”: Tennessee Williams As An Usher

Posted on March 6, 2010 by sheila

Excerpt from Tennessee Williams’ Memoirs: A friend was employed in 1943 to the old Strand Theatre on Broadway as an usher, and, knowing that I was between profitable engagements, he told me that the Strand was in need of a … Continue reading →

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Today in history: November 26, 1942

Posted on November 26, 2008 by sheila

Casablanca premiered at the Hollywood Theatre in New York City. It was not expected to be a long-lasting mythical evocation of the quintessential American ideals we all aspire to, from generation to generation. It was just supposed to be another … Continue reading →

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The Books: “Bogart” (A. M. Sperber and Eric Lax)

Posted on August 6, 2008 by sheila

Daily Book Excerpt: Entertainment Biography/Memoir: Bogart, by A. M. Sperber and Eric Lax Now this is what I call a biography! I am not sure why it took so long for Bogart to get his due, but I suppose that’s … Continue reading →

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Speaking of Casablanca:

Posted on March 12, 2008 by sheila

(as we were): I want to thank the person (whoever you are) who sent me the huge biography of Peter Lorre off my wish list. I have no email for you, and am not sure of the name either – … Continue reading →

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Dueling Anthems: Memo From Hal Wallis

Posted on March 11, 2008 by sheila

Memo from Casablanca producer Hal Wallis to Max Steiner, composer: On the Marseilles, when it is played in the Cafe, don’t do it as though it was played by this small orchestra. Do it with a full scoring orchestra and … Continue reading →

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Today in History: November 26, 1942

Posted on November 26, 2006 by sheila

Casablanca premiered at the Hollywood Theatre in New York City. It was not expected to be a long-lasting mythical evocation of the quintessential American ideals we all aspire to, from generation to generation. It was just supposed to be another … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies, On This Day | Tagged | 10 Comments