Directed by the talented Michael Curtiz and shot almost entirely on studio sets, the film moves quickly through a surprisingly tightly constructed plot, even though the script was written from day to day as the filming progressed and no one knew how the film would end [Would Ilsa stay with Rick or leave with Laszlo?]. Eventually, love comes back into Rick's life and he is inspired to support the Resistance movement. Its collaborative screenplay was mainly the result of the efforts of Julius J. and Philip G. Epstein and Howard Koch - and producer Hal Wallis contributed the film's final line.

The sentimental story, originally stru

Renault: Rick, have you got those letters of transit?

As they talk, Rick's ex-girlfriend Yvonne walks into the cafe on the arm of a uniformed German officer, her new gentleman friend. The swing band is playing You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby. Rick and Renault both notice her arrival - as the couple walks past their table, she turns and glares at Rick:

Ugarte temporarily entrusts the letters of transit with the trustworthy cafe proprietor. Ugarte hopes that Rick admires him: "Rick, I hope you are more impressed with me now, huh?" With a slight sneer on his face, Rick tells Ugarte that he has heard a rumor that the two murdered German couriers were carrying letters of transit - implying that Ugarte was involved in their demise. Ugarte commiserates sarcastically: "Oh, I've heard that rumor too. Poor devils." Rick compliments Ugarte: "Yes, you're right, Ugarte. I am a little more impressed with you," referring to Ugarte's bold murders to get the exit visas, as well as a little disgust that he would have gone so far. Rick hides the two priceless letters of transit for him, secretly stashing them in the club's upright piano while Sam sings and plays: "Who's Got Trouble? - Knock on Wood" - the song title provides commentary that is pregnant with meaning.

Ilsa: Well, only one answer can take care of all our questions. (She approaches his lips for a kiss.)

Renault orders champagne and caviar: "A bottle of your best champagne and put it on my bill." Laszlo objects, but Renault explains: "It's a little game we play. They put it on the bill. I tear up the bill. It is very convenient."

Ilsa (frightened): Richard, they'll find out your record. It won't be safe for you here.

In one of the film's classic scenes, the radiant-faced, enraptured, sensual Mademoiselle persuades him to play a favorite old love song - As Time Goes By:

As they embrace and kiss at the open window, artillery fire is heard off in the distance. Ilsa is startled:

Some common words found in the essay are:
Victor Laszlo, Unoccupied France, Paris Norwegian, Rick Victor, Capitaine Renault, French Africa, Casablanca Sam, Sam Oh, Rick's Cafe, Third Reich, exit visas, letters transit, victor laszlo, german couriers, renault rick, major strasser, rick's cafe, black market, exit visa, paris rick, world war ii, la belle aurore, letters transit rick, rick's cafe americain, ugarte left letters,
Approximate Word count = 16893
Approximate Pages = 68 (250 words per page double spaced)