Comment on Casablanca

Peter Tong

Having read SS Lau's review on Casablanca, my wife and I had the chance to watch it on Public TV last night. Many of Bogart films are favorites of our local stations but I have not seen this particular movie from beginning to end for about 25 years. Even on this occasion, I missed the very first part of the movie.

Having just seen it, I have no doubt that SS is right about who won the heart of Elsa. My feeling is that Elsa knew, Louie knew, Rick knew and above all, Lazlo knew. Of course, the Director knew and the Playwright knew. It was meant to be that way.

Nevertheless, there is still something amiss about this movie to my romantic eye. To qualify for the grandest of escapes, the boy should win the girl body and soul. Personally, I prefer the ending in "Sleepless in Settle" which, incidentally, also features the song "As Time Goes By." For S.S. and all you young lovers, I offerĬªFªiƒnimmortal verse

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