Spring film series : Casablanca
Date
6:00 PM | film begins
Location
Admission
RSVP required
About the Film
(102 minutes) Conventional wisdom agrees that Casablanca is an unlikely classic. As critic Roger Ebert observed, this film is “not so much brilliant as absolutely sound, (a) rock-solid… use of Hollywood studio craftsmanship.” This film movingly and dramatically addresses the inevitable intersections of good and evil, love and loyalty in wartime. Additionally, it is set in a most dangerous time and in a most unstable place: Casablanca (French Morocco), then governed by Vichy French and dominated by Nazis Übermenschen.
Happily, its craftsmanship and intent were acknowledged. It won the 1943 Oscar for Best Picture. Director Michael Curtiz, and the writers (Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein and Howard Koch) all won for Best Adapted Screenplay.
The film’s diverse and skilled cast is heavy on European émigrés who, with the rise of European Fascism, found safety and work in the States. Casablanca premiered at the Hollywood Theater in New York City on November 26, 1942. The opening was specifically timed to build on the Allied invasion of French North Africa) and the Allied capture of Casablanca. It went into general release on January 23, 1943– again well-timed- to take advantage of the Casablanca Conference, a high-level meeting in that city between Churchill and Roosevelt. How many times have you seen it? Let’s all get together and watch it… again.
Come early to gather in the lower level of the Club and grab a beverage at the legendary Wiggins Bar. Screenings will begin promptly afterwards in the Rockwell gallery.
Hungry?
After the film, we’ll move into the Club dining room for a delicious dinner and lively discussion. Ticketed attendees who would love to join us may make a reservation via our Reservations page and include the message “Film Series dinner”. On the day of the screening, those wishing to dine must place their orders prior to the start of the film.
About the Spring Film Series
Are you looking for fun things to do this season? Movie dates are always a go-to option! Brought to you by the Salmagundi Program Committee, Club members Barbara Genco and Michael Rosenfeld will be hosting a carefully curated film series. This series is a chance for film enthusiasts to come together at the start of the weekend for a shared cinematic experience. All are welcome to participate in a casual conversation covering a variety of viewpoints.
The selection of films have been carefully curated based on their renown as old favorites, good reception, and have remained a source of timeless interest.