Even if you’ve not seen the 1943 film Casablanca, you’ve probably heard one of its many quotable lines—such as, “Here’s looking at you, kid.” Casablanca is a romance/intrigue story set in 1940s Morocco, where refugees from across Europe landed to gain travel visas for safe passage to America. Starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, this film is one of the most popular movies of all time. And yet, not everyone has seen it—including Persuasion co-host Erin. Casablanca fits the criteria for the new Persuasion series titled Never Seen, in which Erin and Hannah explore a collection of key movies that have, surprisingly, never been seen by one or both of your Persuasion hosts.
In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson discuss Casablanca in all its silver screen glory. With its memorable lines and Hollywood glam, Casablanca has shaped our cultural narrative in countless ways. Casablanca is responsible—at least in part—for why we associate Paris with lovers and the feelings that stir when we hear the song “As Time Goes By.” Interacting with the origin of these cultural emblems and ideals enriches our understanding of them. Conversation covers Erin’s gut reaction to seeing this iconic film for the first time and why Hannah returns to the film again and again. Together they discuss everything from quotable lines to how the actors deliver their lines to fashion—and then reflect upon the political issues of the era (wartime survival, Nazi terror, refugee crisis, etc.) and the key theme of sacrificing personal happiness for the greater good. Does an (almost) 80-year-old film stand the test of time? Is it a must-see movie for everyone? How have stories changed since 1940? Listen in for dialogue on issues like these, and continue the conversation on Twitter @PersuasionCAPC or in the CAPC members-only community on Facebook.
HOSTS
Erin Straza: Web / Twitter
Hannah Anderson: Web / Twitter
PERSUASION PODCAST
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Twitter: @PersuasionCAPC
Instagram: @PersuasionCAPC
Facebook: /Persuasioncapc
Persuasion 165 Resources & Links
Casablanca (1943)
Roger Ebert Reviews Casablanca
Thin Man (1934)
Did you enjoy this episode of Persuasion? Give these a listen:
Persuasion 164 | Beyond the Silver Screen, with Alissa Wilkinson
Theme music by Maiden Name.