Casablanca
Based on the play Everybody Goes To Rick’s by Murray Burnett and Joan Alison
Written by Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, and Howard Koch
Directed by Michael Curtiz
Running time: 103 minutes
Year: 1942
STORY MAP
PROTAGONIST: Rick Blaine, 37, owner of Rick’s Cafe in Casablanca
CHARACTERIZATION/MAIN MISBEHAVIOR: Cynical / Aloof / Jaded
EXTERNAL GOAL: To hide the letters of transit / To help Ilsa and Laszlo escape
INTERNAL GOAL: To be selfish / To be selfless
MAIN DRAMATIC CONFLICT: Ilsa
THEMES: Sacrifice / Redemption
CENTRAL DRAMATIC QUESTION: Will Rick help Laszlo and Ilsa escape Casablanca?
ENDING: Rick gives the letters of transit to Laszlo and Ilsa, and kills Strasser to allow their escape.
ARC: Rick goes from a hard-nosed cynic to a man who risks his life to help a woman he loves and a cause greater than himself.
STORY ENGINES
ACT I
Rick hides the missing letters of transit for Ugarte, knowing full well he’s the one who killed the two German couriers. Laszlo and Ilsa come to Rick’s for the letters of transit, but hear that Ugarte was arrested. Ilsa has Sam play “As Time Goes By.” Rick rushes over to Sam, furious at him for playing the song, and is shocked to discover Ilsa with Laszlo. Rick is bitter, but still sits with them for a drink. He now knows Ilsa and her husband need the letters to leave the city.
ACT II-A
Sam attempts to talk Rick into leaving Casablanca, but Rick won’t listen; he’s still not over Ilsa. He remembers falling in love during their time in Paris and her leaving him at the train station. Later, she appears at the cafe and begs his forgiveness, but he insults her and she leaves.
ACT II-B
Outside the Blue Parrot, Ilsa reveals to Rick that Laszlo was her husband while they were together in Paris. Later, Ilsa, fearing for Laszlo’s safety, meets with Rick again for the letters of transit. When he won’t give them up, she pulls a gun on him, but can’t shoot. She admits that she believed Laszlo had died when she was with Rick in Paris and only found out he was alive moments before they were to leave Paris together. She confesses her love for Rick, begs him to help Laszlo leave Casablanca. Further, she says she’ll stay with him if he helps Laszlo escape.
ACT III
Rick admits to Renault that he has the letters of transit and of his intent to leave Casablanca with Ilsa. Rick meets with Laszlo and Ilsa and sells them the letters of transit. Renault attempts to arrest Laszlo, but Rick pulls a gun on Renault, providing Laszlo and Ilsa an opportunity to escape. At the airport, Rick has Renault write Laszlo and Ilsa’s name on the letters of transit. Laszlo and Ilsa board the plane. Strasser arrives and Rick is forced to shoot him, facilitating Laszlo and Ilsa’s escape.
FULL BEAT SHEET
ACT I
Sequence I: Casablanca is a port for refugees escaping war-torn Europe. Many are trapped, unable to obtain an exit visa for safe passage to Lisbon. When two German couriers are murdered, Major Strasser of the Third Reich arrives in Casablanca to oversee the investigation.
1 – OPENING IMAGE: A map of Africa over the opening titles.
2 – A globe spins as the Narrator speaks…
INSERT – A revolving globe. When it stops revolving it turns briefly into a contour map of Europe, then into a flat map.
Superimposed over this map are scenes of refugees fleeing from all sections of Europe by foot, wagon, auto, and boat, and a converging upon one point on the tip of Africa -- Casablanca.
Arrows on the map illustrate the routes taken as the voice of a NARRATOR describes the migration.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
With the coming of the Second World War, many eyes in imprisoned Europe turned hopefully, or desperately, toward the freedom of the Americas. Lisbon became the great embarkation point. But not everybody could get to Lisbon directly, and so, a tortuous, roundabout refugee trail sprang up. Paris to Marseilles, across the Mediterranean to Oran, then by train, or auto, or foot, across the rim of Africa to Casablanca in French Morocco. Here, the fortunate ones, through money, or influence, or luck, might obtain exit visas and scurry to Lisbon, and from Lisbon to the New World. But the others wait in Casablanca -- and wait -- and wait -- and wait.
The narrator’s voice fades away...
3 – A POLICE OFFICER dispatches news across the wire…
POLICE OFFICER
To all officers! Two German couriers carrying important official documents murdered on train from Oran. Murderer and possible accomplices headed for Casablanca. Round up all suspicious characters and search them for stolen documents. Important!
4 – TWO POLICEMEN stop a CIVILIAN. When they discover his papers have expired, he runs and they shoot him in the back. The policemen search his body, find Free French literature.
6 – JAN & ANNINA SETUP: Suspects are rounded up outside the Palais de Justice. Refugees JAN & ANNINA BRANDEL, a young, attractive couple from Bulgaria, watch as a plane lands…
ANNINA
(wistfully)
Perhaps tomorrow we’ll be on that plane.
7 – MAJOR STRASSER, a Nazi officer, steps off the plane and is greeted by CAPTAIN LOUIS RENAULT, the Prefect of Police in Casablanca.
STRASSER
(casually)
By the way, the murder of the couriers, what has been done?
RENAULT
Realizing the importance of the case, my men are rounding up twice the usual number of suspects.
HEINZE
We already know who the murderer is.
STRASSER
Good. Is he in custody?
RENAULT
Oh, there is no hurry. Tonight he’ll be at Rick’s. Everybody comes to Rick’s.
_______________________
Sequence II: Rick hides the missing letters of transit for Ugarte, knowing full well he’s the one who killed the two German couriers.
8 – Busy night at Rick’s. SAM, the piano player, sings “It Had To Be You.” Various patrons attempt to negotiate their way out of the country.
9 –DRINK WITH RICK SETUP: CARL, the fat waiter, attends to the wealthier patrons in the gambling room.
FIRST WOMAN
Will you ask Rick if he’ll have a drink with us?
CARL
Madame, he never drinks with customers. Never. I have never seen him.
SECOND WOMAN
(disappointedly)
What makes saloon-keepers so snobbish?
MAN
(to Carl)
Perhaps if you told him I ran the second largest banking house in Amsterdam.
CARL
The second largest? That wouldn’t impress Rick. The leading banker in Amsterdam is now the pastry chef in our kitchen.
10 – RICK refuses entry to the gambling room to a GERMAN.
Rick has no allegiance to the Nazis.
12 – INCITING INCIDENT: UGARTE asks Rick to hide the letters of transit for him. Rick agrees.
He takes an envelope from his pocket and lays it on the table.
UGARTE
Look, Rick, do you know what this is? Something that even you have never seen. Letters of transit signed by General de Gaulle. Cannot be rescinded, not even questioned.
Rick appears ready to take them from Ugarte.
UGARTE
One moment. Tonight I’ll be selling those for more money than even I have ever dreamed of, and then, addio Casablanca! You know, Rick, I have many friends in Casablanca, but somehow, just because you despise me you’re the only one I trust. Will you keep these for me? Please.
13 – Rick stops Ugarte as he gets up from the table…
RICK
I heard a rumor that those two German couriers were carrying letters of transit.
Ugarte hesitates a moment.
UGARTE
Huh? I heard that rumor, too. Poor devils.
Rick looks at Ugarte steadily.
RICK
(slowly)
Yes, you’re right, Ugarte. I am a little more impressed with you.
_______________________
Sequence III: Renault informs Rick that there will be an arrest in the cafe; the arrest of a murderer. Rick knows they’re after Ugarte.
14 – As Sam plays “Knock On Wood,” Rick slips the letters of transit into the back of the piano.
15 – FERRARI, owner of the Blue Parrot, offers to buy Rick’s, but Rick declines.
16 – Rick is approached by a jilted lover, YVONNE, an attractive, young French woman. Yvonne is drunk, distraught over Rick’s indifference with her affection toward him. Rick sends her home in a cab.
17 – Outside the cafe, Rick bumps into Renault as a plane takes off to Lisbon. Renault catches a rare glimpse of emotion in Rick, perhaps, a longing to leave Casablanca.
RENAULT
I have often speculated on why you don’t return to America. Did you abscond with the church funds? Did you run off with a senator’s wife? I like to think you killed a man. It’s the romantic in me.
Rick still looks in the direction of the airport.
RICK
It was a combination of all three.
RENAULT
And what in heaven’s name brought you to Casablanca?
RICK
My health. I came to Casablanca for the waters.
RENAULT
Waters? What waters? We’re in the desert.
RICK
I was misinformed.
18 – Renault lets Rick know that they are about to make an arrest in the cafe. Rick knows Renault’s after Ugarte.
RENAULT
Rick, there’s going to be some excitement here tonight. We are going to make an arrest in your cafe.
RICK
(somewhat annoyed)
What, again?
RENAULT
This is no ordinary arrest. A murderer, no less.
Rick’s eyes react. Involuntarily, they glance toward the gambling room.
Renault catches the look.
RENAULT
If you are thinking of warning him, don’t put yourself out. He cannot possibly escape.
RICK
I stick my neck out for nobody.
RENAULT
A wise foreign policy.
_______________________
Sequence IV: In Rick’s office, Renault claims the letters of transit are intended for Victor Laszlo, a renowned Czech Resistance leader and fugitive from the Reich. Rick bets Renault 10,000 francs that Laszlo will make it out of Casablanca alive. Later, Renault’s men move in on Ugarte. He flees and comes to Rick for help, but Rick does nothing and Ugarte is arrested.
19 – Rick invites Renault into his office for a drink. Renault informs him that the arrest is an effort to show Strasser his loyalty and the efficiency of his department.
RENAULT
Rick, there are many exit visas sold in this cafe, but we know that you have never sold one. That is the reason we permit you to remain open.
RICK
I thought it was because I let you win at roulette.
RENAULT
That is another reason. There is a man who’s arrived in Casablanca on his way to America. He will offer a fortune to anyone who will furnish him with an exit visa.
RICK
Yeah? What’s his name?
RENAULT
Victor Laszlo.
20 – Renault feels its his duty to make sure Laszlo never reaches America. Rick believes he’ll make it: Laszlo escaped a concentration camp and the Nazis have chased him across Europe to no avail. Rick bets Renault 10,000 francs that Laszlo will make it out.
RENAULT
No matter how clever he is, he still needs an exit visa, or should I say, two.
RICK
Why two?
RENAULT
He is traveling with a lady.
RICK
He’ll take one.
RENAULT
I think not. I have seen the lady. And if he did not leave her in Marseilles, or in Oran, he certainly won’t leave her in Casablanca.
RICK
Maybe he’s not quite as romantic as you are.
RENAULT
It doesn’t matter. There is no exit visa for him.
RICK
Louis, whatever gave you the impression that I might be interested in helping Laszlo escape?
RENAULT
Because, my dear Ricky, I suspect that under that cynical shell you’re at heart a sentimentalist.
22 – Renault sits at Strasser’s table and informs him that he’s about to arrest the man who murdered the German couriers.
23 – STRONG MOVEMENT FORWARD: Renault’s men move in on Ugarte. Ugarte shoots and runs. He finds Rick and begs for help, but Rick doesn’t oblige and Renault’s men apprehend Ugarte.
25 – Strasser invites Rick to his table and questions him. Rick’s answers are carefully neutral.
STRASSER
You will forgive my curiosity, Mr. Blaine. The point is, an enemy of the Reich as come to Casablanca and we are checking up on anybody who can be of any help to us.
RICK
(glances toward Renault)
My interest in whether Victor Laszlo stays or goes is purely a sporting one.
STRASSER
In this case, you have no sympathy for the fox, huh?
RICK
Not particularly. I understand the point of view of the hound, too.
_______________________
Sequence V: Laszlo and Ilsa arrive at Rick’s and are questioned by both Renault and Strasser. Ilsa has Sam play “As Time Goes By.” Rick rushes over to Sam, furious at him for playing the song, and is shocked to discover Ilsa with Laszlo. Rick is bitter, but still sits with them for a drink. He now knows Ilsa and her husband need the letters to leave the city.
26 – VICTOR LASZLO enters Rick’s with a pretty young woman on his arm, MISS ILSA LUND. Ilsa and Sam recognize each other, but don’t say anything to each other.
27 – Laszlo and Ilsa quietly talk at their table, revealing they are there to meet Ugarte for the letters of transit.
27 – BERGER comes to Laszlo’s table, asking the couple if they’re interested in buying his ring. He lifts the stone of the ring and reveals an impression of the Lorraine Cross of General de Gaulle. Their conversation is cut short by Renault.
28 – Though they are suspicious of him, Laszlo and Ilsa welcome Renault to their table.
29 – Strasser approaches, insisting Laszlo discuss matters of his arrival in Casablanca. Renault is casual about a meeting, calling it a “request.” They agree to meet at Renault’s office the following morning.
31 – At the bar, Berger informs Laszlo that Ugarte was arrested for murder. He tells Laszlo of a secret meeting the following night at Caverne du Bois, an organized resistance movement.
32 – Ilsa has the waiter call Sam over to her table. Sam rolls his piano to her and greets her by name.
33 – Ilsa asks Sam about Rick. Sam is blunt with her, saying that’s she’s bad luck for him. He begs her to leave Rick alone. In turn, she asks him to sing “As Time Goes By.”
ILSA
Play it once, Sam, for old time’s sake.
SAM
I don’t know what you mean, Miss Ilsa.
ILSA
Play it, Sam. Play “As Time Goes By.”
SAM
Oh I can’t remember it, Miss Ilsa. I’m a little rusty on it.
Of course he can. He doesn’t want to play it. He seems even more scared now.
ILSA
I’ll hum it for you.
Ilsa starts to hum.
Sam begins to play it very softly.
ILSA
Sing it, Sam.
And Sam sings.
34 – Ilsa gets lost in the song. Rick storms over, angry at Sam for playing it.
34 – END OF ACT ONE TURN: Rick glares at Ilsa, tries to hide his anger and pain. They are interrupted by Renault and Laszlo.
LASZLO
One hears a great deal about Rick in Casablanca.
RICK
And about Victor Laszlo everywhere.
LASZLO
Won’t you join us for a drink?
RENAULT
(laughing)
Oh, no, Rick never --
RICK
-- Thanks. I will.
35 – DRINK WITH RICK PAYOFF: Rick joins them for a drink. Rick and Ilsa reveal details about their last meeting…
ILSA
(to Rick)
I wasn’t sure you were the same. Let’s see, the last time we met --
RICK
-- It was “La Belle Aurore.”
ILSA
How nice. You remembered. But of course, that was the day the Germans marched into Paris.
RICK
Not an easy day to forget.
ILSA
No.
RICK
I remember every detail. The Germans wore gray, you wore blue.
ILSA
Yes. I put that dress away. When the Germans march out, I’ll wear it again.
RENAULT
Ricky, you’re becoming quite human. I suppose we have to thank you for that, Mademoiselle.
36 – Laszlo ends their conversation, saying it’s time to leave. Renault catches another uncharacteristic act from Rick when Rick covers Laszlo’s tab.
ACT II-A
Sequence I: Sam attempts to talk Rick into leaving Casablanca, but Rick’s not over Ilsa. He remembers falling in love during their time in Paris and her leaving him at the train station. Later, she appears at the cafe and begs for his forgiveness, but he insults her and she leaves.
37 – Rick drinks alone in the dark cafe. Sam approaches, pleads with Rick to leave.
SAM
(earnestly)
Please, boss, let’s go. Ain’t nothing but trouble for you here.
RICK
She’s coming back. I know she’s coming back.
SAM
We’ll take the car and drive all night. We’ll get drunk. We’ll go fishing and stay away until she’s gone.
RICK
Shut up and go home, will you?
SAM
(stubbornly)
No, sir. I’m staying right here.
38 – Sam sits down and plays piano. Rick keeps drinking.
RICK
Sam, if it’s December 1941 in Casablanca, what time is it in New York?
SAM
Uh, my watch stopped.
RICK
I bet they’re asleep in New York. I bet they’re asleep all over America.
Suddenly he pounds the table and buries his head in his arms. Then he raises his head, trying to regain control.
RICK
Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.
39 – Rick demands Sam play “As Time Goes By.”
40 – FLASHBACK: A montage of Rick and Ilsa in Paris. They travel through the French countryside. They ride an excursion boat along the Seine. At Rick’s apartment, Rick pops some champagne…
RICK
Who are you really? And what were you before? What did you do and what did you think?
ILSA
We said “no questions.”
RICK
Here’s looking at you, kid.
42 – FLASHBACK: At Ilsa’s Paris apartment, Ilsa confesses to Rick that the last man in her life passed away.
43 – FLASHBACK: At a sidewalk cafe, Rick and Ilsa discover the Germans are close to Paris. Ilsa advises Rick to leave, as with his record, he is sure to be a target of the Germans.
43-47 – FLASHBACK: At La Belle Aurore, Rick, Ilsa, and Sam finish off the last of the champagne before the Germans arrive. Sam plays “As Time Goes By.” Another announcement — the Germans will be there tomorrow. Ilsa is stressed, begging Rick to leave town. She agrees to leave with him the following day. Rick asks Ilsa to marry him, and she begins to cry.
ILSA
I love you so much, and I hate this war so much. Oh, it’s a crazy world. Anything can happen. If you shouldn’t get way, I mean, if, if something should keep us apart, wherever they put you and wherever I’ll be, I want you to know...
She can’t go on. She lifts her face to his. He kisses her gently.
ILSA
Kiss me. Kiss me as if it were the last time.
He looks into her eyes, then he does kiss her as though it were going to be the last time.
48 – FLASHBACK: At Gare de Lyon, the train station, Rick and Sam wait for Ilsa. Sam informs Rick that Ilsa left him a note after he left.
INSERT -- LETTER
Richard,
I cannot go with you or ever see you again. You must not ask why. Just believe that I love you. Go, my darling, and God bless you.
Ilsa
Raindrops pour down the letter, smudging the writing.
BACK TO SCENE
A whistle blows.
SAM
(frantically)
That’s the last call, Mr. Richard, do you hear me? Come on, Mr. Richard. Let’s get out of here. Come on, Mr. Richard, come on.
Sam pulls a stunned, reluctant Rick to the train. The train starts to move just as he boards.
From the steps he looks off into the distance, then crumbles the letter and tosses it away as the steam from the engine clouds over him.
49-51 – MIDPOINT: Back at the cafe, Rick is thoroughly pissed. Ilsa appears and pleads with him to forgive her, but he’s too hurt. He insults her and she leaves.
ILSA
Can I tell you a story, Rick?
RICK
Has it got a wow finish?
ILSA
I don’t know the finish yet.
RICK
Well, go on, tell it. Maybe one will come to you as you go along.
ILSA
It’s about a girl who had just come to Paris from her home in Oslo. At the house of some friends she met a man about whom she’d heard her whole life, a very great and courageous man. He opened up for her a whole beautiful world full of knowledge and thoughts and ideals. Everything she knew or ever became was because of him. And she looked up to him and worshiped him with a feeling she supposed was love.
RICK
Yes, that’s very pretty. I heard a story once. As a matter of fact, I’ve heard a lot of stories in my time. They went along with the sound of a tinny piano playing in the parlor downstairs, “Mister, I met a man once when I was a kid,” it’d always begin. Huh. I guess neither one of our stories was very funny. Tell me, who was it you left me for? Was it Laszlo, or were there others in between? Or aren’t you the kind that tells?
Ilsa gets up and leaves.
Rick’s head slumps over the table.
ACT II-B
Sequence I: Laszlo and Ilsa meet with Strasser and Renault. Strasser lets Laszlo know he’s a fugitive from the Reich and Renault insists they will be unable to obtain exit visas. Strasser offers Laszlo an exit visa in exchange for the whereabouts of the resistance leaders across Europe. Laszlo declines.
52 – Renault and Strasser wait for Laszlo and Ilsa in Renault’s office. Strasser believes Rick has the letters of transit.
53-54 – Laszlo and Ilsa appear for the meeting. Strasser lets Laszlo know he’s an escaped prisoner of the Reich and of his intent to keep him in Casablanca. Renault backs up Strasser’s authority by insisting Laszlo will not be able to acquire letters of transit.
STRASSER
You may be in Casablanca indefinitely...or you may leave for Lisbon tomorrow, on one condition.
LASZLO
And that is?
STRASSER
You know the leaders of the underground movement in Paris, in Prague, in Brussels, in Amsterdam, in Oslo, in Belgrade, in Athens.
LASZLO
Even in Berlin.
STRASSER
Yes, even in Berlin. If you will furnish me with their names and their exact whereabouts, you will have your visa in the morning.
RENAULT
And the honor of having served the Third Reich.
LASZLO
I was in a German concentration camp for a year. That’s honor enough for a lifetime.
STRASSER
You will give us the names?
LASZLO
If I didn’t give them to you in a concentration camp where you had more persuasive methods at your disposal, I certainly won’t give them to you now.
55 – Strasser informs Laszlo that Ugarte is dead.
RENAULT
I am making out the report now. We haven’t quite decided whether he committed suicide or died trying to escape.
_______________________
Sequence II: Outside the Blue Parrot, Ilsa reveals to Rick that Laszlo was her husband while they were together in Paris. Back inside the Blue Parot, Ferrari will only sell an exit visa to Ilsa because of the heat on Laszlo. Ilsa insists that she will not leave without him. Ferrari believes Rick has the two exit visas from the German couriers.
57 – Rick meets Ferrari at the Blue Parrot. Ferrari believes Rick has the letters of transit, so he tells Rick he’ll handle the entire transaction for a small percentage. Rick ignores the offer.
58-59 – Rick bumps into Ilsa outside the Blue Parrot. He apologizes for his behavior, but she’s not having it. His attitude turns cynical, prompting Ilsa to reveal Laszlo was her husband while they were together in Paris.
RICK
Did you run on out me because you couldn’t take it? Because you knew what it would be like, hiding from the police, running away all the time?
ILSA
You can believe that if you want to.
RICK
Well, I’m not running away any more. I’m settled now, above a saloon, it’s true, but... walk up a flight. I’ll be expecting you.
Ilsa turns her head away.
RICK
All the same, someday you’ll lie to Laszlo. You’ll be there...
ILSA
No, Rick. No, you see, Victor Laszlo is my husband... and was even when knew you in Paris.
60 – Inside the Blue Parot, Ferrari and Laszlo catch Ilsa up to speed: Ferrari cannot risk helping Laszlo escape the country, but believes he can get an exit visa for Ilsa. Ferrari leaves and Laszlo pleads with Ilsa to leave without him, but she won’t.
LASZLO
No, Ilsa, I won’t let you stay here. You must get to America. And believe me, somehow I will get out and join you.
ILSA
But, Victor, if the situation were different, if I had to stay and there were only a visa for one, would you take it?
LASZLO
(not very convincingly)
Yes, I would.
Ilsa smiles faintly. She doesn’t believe it for even a moment.
ILSA
Yes, I see. When I had trouble getting out of Lille, why didn’t you leave me there? And when I was sick in Marseilles and held you up for two weeks and you were in danger every minute of the time, why didn’t you leave me then?
LASZLO
I meant to, but something always held me up.
61 – Laszlo tells Ferrari they will buy two exit visas or nothing. Ferrari lets them in on the fact the letters of transit were not found on Ugarte.
FERRARI
Those letters were not found on Ugarte when they arrested him.
There’s a moments pause as this sinks in.
LASZLO
Do you know where they are?
FERRARI
No for sure, Monieur, but I will venture to guess that Ugarte left those letters with Monsieur Rick.
Ilsa’s face darkens. Laszlo quietly observes.
LASZLO
Rick?
FERRARI
He is a difficult customer, that Rick. One never knows what he’ll do or why. But it is worth a chance.
_______________________
Sequence III: Rick rigs a couple games of roulette for a young Bulgarian couple, providing them with the money they need to leave Casablanca.
63 – Renault joins Rick at his table. They notice Yvonne enter with a German officer.
RICK
That was some going-over your men gave my place this afternoon. We just barely got cleaned up in time to open.
He pours a drink for Renault.
RENAULT
Well, I told Strasser he wouldn’t find the letters here. But I told my men to be especially destructive. You know how the impresses Germans.
64 – Rick breaks up a fight between a French officer and Yvonne’s German’s officer.
64 – After witnessing the fight, Strasser questions Renault’s loyalty. Strasser hints at killing Laszlo.
STRASSER
Captain Renault, are you entirely certain which side you’re on?
RENAULT
I have no conviction, if that’s what you mean. I blow with the wind, and the prevailing wind happens to be from Vichy.
STRASSER
And if it should change?
He smiles.
RENAULT
Sure the Reich doesn’t admit that possibility?
Renault lights a cigarette and puffs away.
STRASSER
We are concerned about more than Casablanca. We know that every French province in Africa is honey-combed with traitors waiting for their chance, waiting, perhaps, for a leader.
RENAULT
(casually)
A leader, like Laszlo?
STRASSER
Uh, huh. I have been thinking. It is too dangerous if we let him go. It may be too dangerous if we let him stay.
RENAULT
(thoughtfully)
I see what you mean.
67 – The young Annina meets with Rick. She and her husband are trapped in Casablanca without enough money to obtain an exit visa. Her subtext reveals Renault will provide the visas if Annina sleeps with him.
ANNINA
Oh, Monsieur, you are a man. If someone loved you very much, so that your happiness was the only thing that she wanted in the whole world, but she did a bad thing to make certain of it, could you forgive her?
Rick stares off into space.
RICK
Nobody ever loved me that much.
ANNINA
And he never knew, and the girl kept this bad thing locked in her heart? What would be all right, wouldn’t it?
RICK
(harshly)
You want my advice?
ANNINA
Oh, yes, please.
RICK
Go back to Bulgaria.
ANNINA
Oh, but if you knew what it means to us to leave Eurpoe, to get to America! Oh, but if Jan should find out! He is such a boy. In many ways I am so much older than he is.
RICK
Yes, well, everyone in Casablanca has problems. Yours may work out. You’ll excuse me.
67 – Laszlo and Ilsa enter Rick’s and Rick seats them promptly. He’s harsh with Ilsa, has Sam play “As Time Goes By.”
69-70 – ASSUMPTION OF POWER & JAN & ANNINA PAYOFF: In the gambling room, Rick rigs the game for Annisa’s husband, Jan, and they earn enough money for their exit visas.
RICK
(to jan)
Have you tried twenty-two tonight? I said, twenty-two.
Jan looks at Rick, then at the chips in his hand.
He pauses, then puts the chips on twenty-two.
Rick and croupier exchange looks. The croupier understands what Rick wants him to do. He spins the wheel.
Carl follows the proceedings, fascinated.
The shell stops spinning.
CROUPIER
(in French)
Twenty-two, black, twenty-two.
A winner. Renault, at a nearby table, takes notice of what is happening.
The croupier pushes a pile of chips onto twenty-two and Jan reaches for it.
RICK
(not even looking at Jan)
Leave it there.
Jan hesitates, then withdraws his hands.
Carl continues to watch.
The wheel spins. Nobody speaks while it spins.
CROUPIER
Twenty-two, black.
Another winner. The croupier shoves a pile of chips toward Jan.
RICK
(to Jan)
Cash it in and don’t come back.
Jan rises up to go to the cashier.
A CUSTOMER complains to Carl.
CUSTOMER
Say, are you sure this place is honest?
CARL
(fervently)
Honest! As honest as the day is long!
71 – Renault is stopped by Jan and Annisa. They attempt to give him the money for the exit visas, but he doesn’t accept it.
RENAULT
-- Oh, not here, please. Come to my office in the morning. We’ll do everything business-like.
JAN
We’ll be there at six.
RENAULT
I’ll be there at ten. I am very happy for you both.
71 – Renault approaches Rick…
RENAULT
As I suspected, you’re a rank sentimentalist.
RICK
Yeah? Why?
RENAULT
(chidingly)
Why do you interfere with my little romances?
RICK
Put it down as a gesture to love.
RENAULT
(good-naturedly)
Well, I forgive you this time. But I’ll be in tomorrow night with a break taking blonde, and it will make me very happy if she loses.
_______________________
Sequence IV: Rick refuses to sell Laszlo the exit visas, telling him the reason has to do with Ilsa. They are interrupted by German officers singing “Wacht am Rhein.” Laszlo walks downstairs and leads the orchestra in “Marseillaise,” which Rick permits. Soon the majority of the cafe joins in a triumphant declaration of defiance against the Germans. Strasser orders Renault to shut down Rick’s, which he does.
72 – Laszlo meets Rick in Rick’s office. Laszlo stresses the importance of his work and the lives that could be saved by him getting to America. Laszlo offers him 200,000 francs, but Rick won’t sell the exit visas at any price. He lets Laszlo know the reason has everything to do with Ilsa.
RICK
My friend, you could make it a million francs, or three, my answer would still be the same.
LASZLO
There must be some reason why you won’t let me have them.
RICK
There is. I suggest that you ask your wife.
73-74 – Rick and Laszlo are interrupted by German officers loudly singing “Wacht am Rhein” around a piano. Laszlo storms off to the orchestra and demands they play “Marseillaise.” With a head nod, Rick gives his permission to the orchestra. Laszlo begins conducting and the orchestra overpowers the Germans. Soon the majority of the cafe joins in a triumphant declaration of defiance against the Germans.
75 – As a result of the song, Strasser commands Renault shut down Rick’s Cafe.
STRASSER
If Laszlo’s presence in a cafe can inspire this unfortunate demonstration, what more will his presence in Casablanca bring on?
75 – Renault shuts down the cafe.
Renault thinks a moment, then blows a loud BLAST on his whistle. The room grows quiet, all eyes turn toward Renault.
RENAULT
(loudly)
Everybody is to leave here immediately! This cafe is closed until further notice! Clear the room at once!
An angry murmur starts among the crowd. People get up and begin to leave.
Rick comes quickly up to Renault.
RICK
How can you close me up? On what grounds?
RENAULT
I am shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here!
This display of nerve leaves Rick at a loss. The croupier comes out of the gambling room and up to Renault. He hands him a roll of bills.
CROUPIER
Your winnings, sir.
RENAULT
Oh. Thank you very much.
76 – Strasser approaches Ilsa as she waits for Laszlo’s return, telling her that Laszlo should return to occupied France or face his death in Casablanca.
76 – On their way out, Ilsa asks Laszlo about Rick. He tells her they’ll “discuss it later.”
_______________________
Sequence V: Fearing for Laszlo’s safety, Ilsa meets with Rick again for the letters of transit. When he won’t give them up, she pulls a gun on him, but can’t shoot. She admits that she believed Laszlo had died when she was with Rick in Paris and only found out he was alive moments before they were to leave Paris together. She confesses her love for Rick, begs him to help Laszlo leave Casablanca. Further, she says she’ll stay with him if he helps Laszlo.
77-79 – Back at their hotel room, Ilsa begs Laszlo to not attend the underground meeting. Laszlo insists he’s afraid, but will go on anyway. Ilsa asks again about Rick.
LASZLO
Apparently he has the letters.
ILSA
Yes?
LASZLO
But no intention of selling them. One would think if sentiment wouldn’t persuade him, money would.
Ilsa is now noticeably uncomfortable.
ILSA
Did he give you a reason?
LASZLO
He suggested I ask you.
ILSA
Ask me?
LASZLO
Yes. He said, “Ask your wife.” I don’t know why he said that.
Laszlo turns off the light. Ilsa walks over to the couch and sits down.
LASZLO
Well, our friend outside will think we’ve retired by now. I’ll be going in a few minutes.
He sits down on the couch next to her. A silence falls between them. It grows strained. Finally...
LASZLO
Ilsa, I --
ILSA
-- Yes?
LASZLO
When I was in the concentration camp, were you lonely in Paris?
Ilsa still cannot look at him.
ILSA
Yes, Victor, I was.
LASZLO
(sympathetically)
I know how it is to be lonely.
(very quietly)
Is there anything you wish to tell me?
ILSA
(speaking low)
No, Victor, there isn’t.
LASZLO
I love you very much, my dear.
79 – Ilsa leaves the hotel a few moments after Laszlo.
79 – Carl informs Rick he can only stay closed for a couple weeks without going broke. Rick keeps his employees on salary; believes he can bribe Renault into re-opening.
81 – Closing up for the evening, Rick finds Ilsa in his office. She begs him to give them the letters of transit so Laszlo can continue his work.
ILSA
I know how you feel about me, but I’m asking you to put your feelings aside for something more important.
RICK
Do I have to hear again what a great man your husband is? What an important cause he’s fighting for?
ILSA
It was your cause, too. In your own way, you were fighting for the same thing.
RICK
I’m not fighting for anything anymore, except myself. I’m the only cause I’m interested in.
82 – Rick is hard on Ilsa, saying she’d do or say anything for the letters of transit. She criticizes him for his selfishness.
83 – Ilsa pulls a gun on Rick and demands he give her the letters of transit.
ILSA
For the last time, put them on the table.
RICK
If Laszlo and the cause mean so much to you, you won’t stop at anything. All right, I’ll make it easier for you.
He moves closer to her.
RICK
Go ahead and shoot. You’ll be doing me a favor.
Her hand drops, and there are tears in her eyes.
She turns and walks away from him.
ILSA
Richard, I tried to stay away. I thought I would never see you again, that you were out of my life.
Rick follows her and takes her in his arms. He presses her tight to him.
ILSA
The day you left, if you knew what I went through! If you knew how much I loved you, how much I still love you!
Rick kisses her passionately. She is lost in his embrace.
84 – Ilsa admits to Rick that she was married to Laszlo before they met. Laszlo was apprehended by the Gestapo and forced into a concentration camp. Ilsa received word that he died. She moved on with Rick, but just before they were to leave Paris, she discovered Laszlo was alive.
RICK
Why weren’t you honest with me? Why did you keep your marriage a secret?
Rick sits down with Ilsa.
ILSA
Oh, it wasn’t my secret, Richard. Victor wanted it that way. Not even our closest friends knew about our marriage. That was his way of protecting me. I knew so much about his work, and if the Gestapo found out I was his wife it would be dangerous for me and for those working with me.
RICK
When did you first find out he was alive?
ILSA
Just before you and I were to leave Paris together. A friend came and told me that Victor was alive. They were hiding him in a freight car on the outskirts of Paris. He was sick, he needed me. I wanted to tell you, but I didn’t care. I knew you wouldn’t have left Paris, and the Gestapo would have caught you. So I... well, you know the rest.
RICK
But it’s still a story without an ending.
86 – END OF ACT TWO TURN: Ilsa can’t deny her love for Rick or her loyalty to Laszlo. She asks Rick to make the decision for her. He agrees to do it.
ILSA
Oh, you’ll help him now, Richard, won’t you? You’ll see that he gets out? Then he’ll have his work, all that he’s been living for.
RICK
All except one. He won’t have you.
Ilsa puts her head on Rick’s shoulder.
ILSA
I can’t fight it anymore. I ran away from you once. I can’t do it again. Oh, I don’t know what’s right any longer. You’ll have to think for both of us, for all of us.
RICK
All right, I will. Here’s looking at you, kid.
ACT III
Sequence I: After their meeting was broken up, Laszlo and Carl hide from the police at Rick’s. After Laszlo asks Rick to leave Casablanca with Ilsa, French officers burst into Rick’s and arrest Laszlo.
86 – Laszlo and Carl hide in shadows outside Rick’s Cafe as a police car searches for him. After the police car passes, they go inside Rick’s.
87 – Rick spots Laszlo and Carl inside. He calls Carl up to his office and instructs him to take Ilsa home immediately.
88-89 – Rick and Laszlo discuss the cause and Rick’s relationship with Ilsa. Laszlo knows they were in love once, but holds no ill-will. He asks Rick to use the letters of transit and take Ilsa away from Casablanca.
RICK
You seem to know all about my destiny.
LASZLO
I know a good deal more about you than you suspect. I know, for instance, that you are in love with a woman. It is perhaps strange that we both should be in love with the same woman. The first evening I came here in this cafe, I knew there was something between you and Ilsa. Since no one is to blame, I demand no explanation. I ask only one thing. You won’t give me the letters of transit. All right. But I want my wife to be safe. I ask you as a favor to use the letters to take her away from Casablanca.
RICK
You love her that much?
He looks away for a moment.
LASZLO
Yes, I love her that much.
89 – French officers burst into Rick’s and arrest Laszlo. Rick does nothing to stop them.
_______________________
Sequence II: Rick admits to Renault that he has the letters of transit and of his intent to leave Casablanca with Ilsa. He devises a plan to sell Laszlo the letters of transit, so Renault can arrest Laszlo with a heavier charge, sure to please Strasser. Renault agrees with the plan.
90 – Rick attempts to talk Renault into releasing Laszlo, as the charge is not heavy enough to stick.
RENAULT
Ricky, I’d advise you not to be too interested in what happens to Laszlo. If by any chance you were willing to help him escape --
RICK
-- What makes you think I’d stick my neck out for Laszlo?
RENAULT
Because one, you’ve bet ten thousand francs he’d escape. Two, you have the letters of transit, now don’t deny it. And, well, you might do it simply because you don’t like Strasser’s looks. As a matter of fact, I don’t like him, either.
RICK
Well, they’re all excellent reasons.
RENAULT
Don’t count too much on my friendship, Ricky. In this matter I’m powerless. Besides, I might lose ten thousand francs.
90 – POINT OF NO RETURN: Rick admits he has the letters of transit and that he wants to leave with Ilsa.
RENAULT
You didn’t come here to tell me this. You have the letters of transit. You can fill in your name and hers and leave any time you please. Why are you interested in what happens to Laszlo?
Renault gets out of his chair and crosses to the front of his desk.
RICK
I’m not. But I am interested in what happens to Ilsa and me. We have a legal right to go, that’s true. But people have been held in Casablanca in spite of their legal rights.
91 – Rick makes a proposition to have Laszlo brought in on a more serious charge.
RICK
Louis, I’ll make a deal with you. Instead of this petty charge you have against him, you can get something that would chuck him in a concentration camp for years. That would be quite a feather in your cap, wouldn’t it?
RENAULT
It certainly would. Germany... Vichy would be very grateful.
RICK
Then release him. You be at my place a half hour before the plane leaves.
Renault sits back down in his chair.
RICK
I’ll arrange to have Laszlo come there to pick up the letters of transit, and that’ll give you the criminal grounds on which to make the arrest. You get him, and we get away.
92 – Renault agrees to Rick’s proposition.
_______________________
Sequence III: Rick meets with Laszlo and Ilsa and sells them the letters of transit. Renault appears to arrest Laszlo, but Rick pulls a gun on Renault, providing Laszlo and Ilsa an opportunity to escape. Unbeknownst to Rick, Renault tips off Strasser, calling him instead of arranging the flight out.
92 – Rick sells the cafe to Ferrari.
RICK
Oh, by the way, my agreement with Sam has always been that he gets twenty-five percent of the profits. That still goes.
FERRARI
Hmmm. I happen to know that he gets ten percent. But he’s worth twenty-five.
93 – Renault appears at Rick’s cafe, chats with Rick. They hear Laszlo and Ilsa pull up outside and Renault goes to hide in Rick’s office.
93 – Rick quietly pulls an emotional Ilsa aside and assures her that everything will be okay. Ilsa believes Rick will give the letters of transit to Laszlo as long she stays with Rick.
94 – As Rick hands Laszlo the letters of transit, Renault appears from the shadows to arrest Laszlo.
95 – Rick turns the tables, pulling a gun on Renault. He makes Renault call the airport to arrange a plane.
RENAULT
I suppose you know what you’re doing, but I wonder if you realize what this means?
RICK
I do. We’ve got plenty of time to discuss that later.
RENAULT
Call off your watch-dogs you said.
RICK
Just the same, you call the airport and let me hear you tell them. And remember, this gun’s pointed right at your heart.
RENAULT
That is my least vulnerable spot.
96 – Renault calls Strasser and speaks to him as if he’s arranging the flight through the two letters of transit. Strasser hangs up and assembles his men, telling them to meet at the airport.
_______________________
Sequence III: At the airport, Rick has Renault write Laszlo and Ilsa’s name on the letters of transit. Laszlo and Ilsa board the plane. As they wait to take off, Strasser arrives and Rick is forced to shoot him to allow their escape. Their plane takes off as Renault’s men arrive. Renault informs his men that Strasser has been killed and to round up the usual suspects. Rick and Renault walk off together, the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
97-98 – CLIMAX (Internal): They arrive at the airport. As Laszlo helps load the luggage. Rick instructs Renault to write Laszlo and Ilsa’s names on the letters of transit. Both Renault and Ilsa are shocked.
RICK
Last night we said a great many things. You said I was to do the thinking for the both us. Well, I’ve done a lot of it since then and it all adds up to one thing. You’re getting on that plane with Victor where you belong.
ILSA
(protesting)
But, Richard, no, I, I --
RICK
-- You’ve got to listen to me. Do you have any idea what you’d have to look forward to if you stayed here? Nine chances out of ten we’d both wind up in a concentration camp. Isn’t that true, Louis?
Renault countersigns the papers.
RENAULT
I’m afraid Major Strasser would insist.
ILSA
You’re saying this only to make me go.
RICK
I’m saying it because it’s true. Inside of us we both know you belong with Victor. You’re part of his work, the thing that keeps him going. If that plane leaves the ground and you’re not with him, you’ll regret it.
ILSA
No.
RICK
Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon, and for the rest of your life.
ILSA
But what about us?
RICK
We’ll always have Paris. We didn’t have, we’d lost it, until you came to Casablanca. We got it back last night.
ILSA
And I said I would never leave you.
RICK
And you never will. But I’ve got a job to do, too. Where I’m going you can’t follow. What I’ve got to do you can’t be any part of. Ilsa, I’m no good at being noble, but it doesn’t take much to see that the problems of three little people don’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world. Someday you’ll understand that. Now, now...
Ilsa’s eyes well up with tears. Rick puts his hand to her chin and raises her face to meet his own.
RICK
Here’s looking at you, kid.
98 – Strasser speeds to the airport in his Nazi-mobile.
99 – Rick lets Laszlo know that he’ll be able to leave with Ilsa.
Laszlo extends his hand to Rick, who grasps it firmly.
LASZLO
And welcome back to the fight. This time I know our side will win.
100 – Renault comments that Ilsa knew Rick was lying when he said he wasn’t in love with her anymore.
RENAULT
Well, I was right. You are a sentimentalist.
RICK
Stay where you are. I don’t know what you’re talking about.
Rick puts a cigarette in his mouth.
RENAULT
What you just did for Laszlo, and that fairy tale that you invented to send Ilsa away with him. I know a little about women, my friend, She went, but she knew you were lying.
RICK
Anyway, thanks for helping me out.
RENAULT
I suppose you know this isn’t going to be pleasant for either of us, especially for you. I’ll have to arrest you of course.
RICK
As soon as the plane goes, Louis.
101 – CLIMAX (External): Strasser arrives and Renault informs him that Laszlo is leaving on the plane. Strasser picks up the phone to call the radio tower. Holding his gun in the pocket of his trench-coat, Rick commands Strasser to hang up. Strasser pulls a gun and Rick shoots him dead.
101 – Four gendarmes (police) speed up and report to Renault. Renault lets them know Strasser was shot and to round up the usual suspects.
GENDARME
Mon Capitaine!
RENAULT
Major Strasser’s been shot.
Renault pauses and looks at Rick. Rick returns Renault’s gaze with expressionless eyes.
RENAULT
Round up the usual suspects.
101 – The gendarmes take Strasser’s body and drive off.
102 – Renault pours himself a glass of Vichy water. When he sees the label he tosses the bottle into the trash and kicks the bin.
102 – Rick and Renault watch the plane leave Casablanca.
103 – CLOSING IMAGE: Rick and Renault walk off into the night.
RENAULT
It might be a good idea for you to disappear from Casablanca for a while. There’s a Free French garrison over at Brazzaville. I could be induced to arrange a passage.
RICK
My letter of transit? I could use a trip. But it doesn’t make any difference about our bet. You still owe me ten thousand francs.
RENAULT
And that ten thousand francs should pay our expenses.
RICK
Our expenses?
RENAULT
Uh huh.
RICK
Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
The two walk off together into the night.
103 – THE END.
_____________________
Learn more about Casablanca
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casablanca_(film)
http://mckeestory.com/wp-content/uploads/Digital-CASABLANCA.pdf
Who is the antagonist in Casablanca? Thanks.
I would say Major Strasser is the antagonist; the character standing in the way of Rick’s goals.