Thursday's Child: Casablanca

Thursday, November 25, 2010
The most perfect movie ever made is Casablanca.  That isn’t a statement of opinion, it’s a statement of fact.  Casablanca is the ultimate blend of romance, adventure and humour. Add a dash of self-sacrifice and you get a movie that you love more every time you watch it.

Visiting Morocco in 2007 was a dream come true, and not just because of the movie connection.  Names like “Marrakech” and “Casablanca” had beguiled me from the time I began perusing atlases and dreaming about where I’d travel next.  I could hardly believe that I would visit this magical country.

After our plane landed, we had one evening in Casablanca before we set off to explore the rest of Morocco.  There was never any doubt about what we’d do that evening.

Yes, there really is a Rick’s Café.  And we had dinner there.

Photo credit: The Usual Suspects SA/Rick's Cafe
“Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world …”


“Here’s looking at you, kids.” 

“You played it for her, you can play it for me.”


Photo credit: The Usual Suspects SA/Rick's Cafe
Rick: “I came to Casablanca for the waters.” 
Renault: “The waters? What waters?  We’re in the desert.” 
Rick: “I was misinformed.”


Photo credit: The Usual Suspects SA/Rick's Cafe

“I’m shocked, shocked, to find that gambling is going on here.”
I didn't actually see any gambling.  But I couldn’t miss posting my favourite Casablanca quote.





27 comments:

Claudia said...

Love this movie. We watch it once a year during the holiday season.

FOODESSA said...

Alright, the moment of truth...I've heard about this movie...and yet never had the opportunity to enjoy such an apparent classic.
Beth...this weekend, I'll be looking for this at the dvd store...you've put it on my radar. Thanks.

Have a wonderful day,
Claudia

Kayte said...

Love, love, love this movie...it was one of the first movies my husband and I saw together on a date in a Classics movie marathon at college. Fun to see all this. Happy Thanksgiving, Beth!

Anonymous said...

The movie is truly a classic; how fun to visit Rick's in Morocco!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Valerie Gamine said...

You have excellent taste, Beth.

I had no idea that Rick's Café was real! Thank you for sharing some of the magic with us.

Katerina said...

When I visited Casablanca I was a little bit disappointed. I expected the city more traditional. Instead, I found all the color and tradition in Marrakesh. I loved this city. Lovely pictures.

Mimi said...

Great movie. Glad you got to experience Rick's Cafe in person.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Mimi

Angela Ackerman said...

Wow. I would love to visit Morocco! Lucky gal, visiting these haunts!

Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse

Anonymous said...

How cool is that?! I love Casablanca--the movie, that is...

Joanne said...

That is one seriously awesome movie. All of these quotes can't help but make me smile.

Carol said...

One of my all-time favorites!
What a great trip you had!

Julie said...

I love Casablanca...what a wonderful trip this must have been! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

jenn from midlife modern said...

How wonderful you went there! It looks just like I remember it from the film. I actually got to see Casablanca in a movie theater last year; they played it for one night in this cool indie theater. It was as good as I'd heard.

Jeanne said...

I love the movie, and I've only just recently watched it for the first time! But I'll certainly be watching it again. How fun that you got to experience these places firsthand!

Joyti said...

Casablanca is a magical movie.
And Morocco must be a beautiful and magical place. How lovely that you were able to visit it.

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

I have to admit, just as Foodessa, I have not seen this movie. Sounds like I need to rent it and plan for an entertaining evening :)

Joanne said...

I've never watched the movie. Now you've peaked my interest. It would a good one to see over the holidays. :)

Amie Kaufman said...

Oh, I love this movie to bits. It's a rainy Saturday afternoon here, and I think I've just worked out what I'm going to do with it.

I absolutely loved Morocco, and I started in Casablanca too. I was backpacking around France/Italy when I got an email from a friend asking if I'd like to meet her in Casablanca. A girl might only get asked that once in her lifetime, so off I ran!

chow and chatter said...

love your travel memory posts :-)

julie said...

How incredibly cool! It looks just like I remember it in the movie. Very, very cool.

I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday!

theUngourmet said...

Great movie! How awesome that you were able to see this place! Hope your Thanksgiving was relaxing and fun. :)

Monet said...

I have been intrigued by Morocco for years, but can you believe I've never seen Casablanca!? What a shame, I know! I am going to try to rent it tomorrow...thank you for sharing your trip with us!

Barbara said...

What fun! And that movie is an all time favorite!

Emma said...

What a cool, fun trip.

Beth,I gave you an award so if you're interested, check out my blog for details :)

Anonymous said...

Somehow i have never seen the movie, I'm ashamed to say! I have just added it to my list of 'must sees'...

Kristen said...

That was so fun to see real photos with the quotes. I agree...fabulous movie.

Cakelaw said...

I LOVE Casablanca the movie! I am so envious that you have been to Ricks. You have mentioned most of my fave quotes - my two faves are the one about the waters you have above, and the other when Colonel Strasser is questioning Rick, and he states that his nationaility is a drunkard before he looks at the German dossier on him and asks, "Are my eyes really brown?"

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