"CASABLANCA"
Screenplay by
Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein
and Howard Koch
Based on the play
"EVERYBODY GOES TO RICK'S"
by
Murray Burnett and Joan Alison
FADE IN:
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 all 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 fade away...
CUT TO:
EXT. OLD MOORISH SECTION OF THE CITY - DAY
At first only the turrets and rooftops are visible against a
torrid sky.
The facades of the Moorish buildings give way to a narrow,
twisting street crowded with the polyglot life of a native
quarter. The intense desert sun holds the scene in a torpid
tranquillity. Activity is unhurried and sounds are muted.
CUT TO:
INT. POLICE STATION - DAY
A POLICE OFFICER takes a piece of paper from the typewriter,
turns to a microphone, and reads.
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!
CUT TO:
EXT. A STREET IN THE OLD MOORISH SECTION - DAY
An officer BLOWS his whistle several times.
There is pandemonium as native guards begin to round up
people.
A police car, full of officers, with SIREN BLARING, screams
through the street and stops in the market.
Some try to escape but are caught by the police and loaded
into a police wagon.
At a street corner TWO POLICEMEN stop a white CIVILIAN and
question him.
FIRST POLICEMAN
May we see your papers?
CIVILIAN
(nervously)
I don't think I have them on me.
FIRST POLICEMAN
In that case, we'll have to ask you
to come along.
The civilian pats his pockets.
CIVILIAN
Wait. It's just possible that I...
Yes, here they are.
He brings out his papers. The second policeman examines them.
SECOND POLICEMAN
These papers expired three weeks
ago. You'll have to come along.
Suddenly the civilian breaks away and starts to run wildly
down the street.
The policeman SHOUTS "Halt", but the civilian keeps going.
JAN and ANNINA BRANDEL, a very young and attractive refugee
couple from Bulgaria, watch as the civilian passes. They've
been thrust by circumstances from a simple country life into
an unfamiliar and hectic world.
A shot RINGS out, and the man falls to the ground. Above
him, painted on the wall, is a large poster of Marshal Petain,
which reads: "Je tiens mes promesses, meme celles des autres."
The policeman frantically searches the body, but only finds
Free French literature.
CUT TO:
EXT. PALAIS DE JUSTICE - DAY
We see an inscription carved in a marble block along the
roofline of the building: "Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite"
We see the the facade, French in architecture, then the
highvaulted entrance which is inscribed "Palais de Justice".
At the entrance the arrested suspects are led in by the
police.
CUT TO:
EXT. SIDEWALK CAFE - DAY
A middle-aged ENGLISH COUPLE sit at a table just off the
square, and observe the commotion across the way in front of
the Palais de Justice.
The police van pulls up. The rear doors are opened and people
stream out.
A EUROPEAN man, sitting at a table nearby, watches the English
couple more closely than the scene on the street.
ENGLISHWOMAN
What on earth's going on there?
ENGLISHMAN
I don't know, my dear.
The European walks over to the couple.
EUROPEAN
Pardon, pardon, Monsieur, pardon
Madame, have you not heard?
ENGLISHMAN
We hear very little, and we understand
even less.
EUROPEAN
Two German couriers were found
murdered in the desert... the
unoccupied desert. This is the
customary roundup of refugees,
liberals, and uh, of course, a
beautiful young girl for Monsieur
Renault, the Prefect of Police.
CUT TO:
EXT. PALAIS DE JUSTICE - DAY
Suspects are herded out of the van, and into the Palais de
Justice.
CUT TO:
EXT. SIDEWALK CAFE - DAY
EUROPEAN
Unfortunately, along with these
unhappy refugees the scum of Europe
has gravitated to Casablanca. Some
of them have been waiting years for
a visa.
He puts his left arm compassionately around the Englishman,
and reaches behind the man with his right hand.
EUROPEAN
I beg of you, Monsieur, watch
yourself. Be on guard. This place is
full of vultures, vultures everywhere,
everywhere.
The Englishman seems to be taken aback by this sudden display
of concern.
ENGLISHMAN
Ha, ha, thank you, thank you very
much.
EUROPEAN
Not at all. Au revoir, Monsieur. Au
revoir, Madame.
He leaves. The Englishman, still a trifle disconcerted by
the European's action, watches him as he leaves.
ENGLISHMAN
Au revoir. Amusing little fellow.
Waiter!
As he pats both his breast and pants pockets he realizes
there is something missing.
ENGLISHMAN
Oh. How silly of me.
ENGLISHWOMAN
What, dear?
ENGLISHMAN
I've left my wallet in the hotel.
ENGLISHWOMAN
Oh.
Suddenly the Englishman looks off in the direction of the
departed European, the clouds of suspicion gathering.
Interrupting overhead is the DRONE of a low flying airplane.
They look up.
CUT TO:
EXT. OVERHEAD SHOT - DAY
An airplane cuts its motor for landing.
CUT TO:
EXT. PALAIS DE JUSTICE - DAY
Refugees wait in line outside the Palais de Justice. Their
upturned gaze follows the flight of the plane. In their faces
is revealed one hope they all have in common, and the plane
is the symbol of that hope.
Jan and Annina look up at the plane.
ANNINA
(wistfully)
Perhaps tomorrow we'll be on that
plane.
CUT TO:
EXT. OVERHEAD SHOT - DAY
The plane SWOOPS down past a sign atop a building at the
edge of the airport.
The sign reads "Rick's Cafe Americain."
CUT TO:
EXT. AIRFIELD - DAY
As the plane lands a swastika on its tail is clearly visible.
It taxis to a stop as a group of officers march into formation
in front of it. Behind them stand a detail of native soldiers
keeping guard.
In the group is CAPTAIN LOUIS RENAULT, a French officer
appointed by Vichy as Prefect of Police in Casablanca. He is
a handsome, middle-aged Frenchman, debonair and gay, but
withal a shrewd and alert official.
With him are HERR HEINZE, the German consul, CAPTAIN TONELLI,
an Italian officer, and LIEUTENANT CASSELLE, Renault's aide.
When the plane door opens, the first passenger to step out
is a tall, middle-aged, pale German with a smile that seems
more the result of a frozen face muscle than a cheerful
disposition. On any occasion when MAJOR STRASSER is crossed,
his expression hardens into iron.
Herr Heinze steps up to him with upraised arm.
HEINZE
Heil Hitler.
STRASSER
Heil Hitler.
They shake hands.
HEINZE
It is very good to see you again,
Major Strasser.
STRASSER
Thank you. Thank you.
Heinze introduces Strasser to Renault.
HEINZE
May I present Captain Renault, Police
Prefect of Casablanca. Major Strasser.
Renault salutes.
RENAULT
Unoccupied France welcomes you to
Casablanca.
STRASSER
(in perfect English,
smiling)
Thank you, Captain. It's very good
to be here.
RENAULT
Major Strasser, my aide, Lieutenant
Casselle.
As they acknowledge each other, Captain Tonelli barges in
front of Casselle and salutes Strasser.
TONELLI
Captain Tonelli, the Italian service,
at your command, Major.
STRASSER
That is kind of you.
But Tonelli gets no further than that as Strasser turns again
to Renault. They walk away from the plane, Heinze following,
with Casselle and Tonelli bringing up the rear, engaged in a
heated exchange of words.
RENAULT
You may find the climate of Casablanca
a trifle warm, Major.
STRASSER
Oh, we Germans must get used to all
climates, from Russia to the Sahara.
But perhaps you were not referring
to the weather.
RENAULT
(sidesteps the
implication with a
smile)
What else, my dear Major?
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.
STRASSER
I have already heard about this cafe,
and also about Mr. Rick himself.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. RICK'S CAFE - NIGHT
The neon sign above the door is brightly lit. Customers arrive
and go in through the front door. From inside we hear sounds
of MUSIC and LAUGHTER. The song is "It Had to Be You."
Again we isolate on the neon sign.
INSERT SIGN: "Rick's Cafe Americain".
We follow a group of customers inside.
INT. RICK'S CAFE - MAIN ROOM - NIGHT
Rick's is an expensive and chic nightclub which definitely
possesses an air of sophistication and intrigue.
SAM, a middle-aged Negro, sits on a stool before a small,
salmon-colored piano on wheels, playing and singing while
accompanied by a small orchestra.
All about him there is the HUM of voices, CHATTER and
LAUGHTER.
The occupants of the room are varied. There are Europeans in
their dinner jackets, their women beautifully begowned and
bejeweled. There are Moroccans in silk robes. Turks wearing
fezzes. Levantines. Naval officers. Members of the Foreign
Legion, distinguished by their kepis.
Two men sit at a table.
MAN
Waiting, waiting, waiting. I'll never
get out of here. I'll die in
Casablanca.
His companion seems uninterested in his dilemma. Sympathy is
evidently in short supply in Casablanca.
At another table a very well-dressed WOMAN talks to a MOOR.
She has a bracelet on her wrist. No other jewelry.
WOMAN
But can't you make it just a little
more? Please.
MOOR
I'm sorry, Madame, but diamonds are
a drug on the market. Everybody sells
diamonds. There are diamonds
everywhere. Two thousand, four
hundred.
WOMAN
All right.
On to another table where two CONSPIRATORS talk.
CONSPIRATOR
The trucks are waiting, the men are
waiting. Everything is...
He stops abruptly as two German officers walk by.
A REFUGEE and another MAN converse at another table.
MAN
It's the fishing smack Santiago. It
leaves at one tomorrow night, here
from the end of La Medina. Third
boat.
REFUGEE
Thank you, oh, thank you.
MAN
And bring fifteen thousand francs in
cash. Remember, in cash.
On the way to the bar we pass several tables and hear a Babel
of foreign tongues. Here and there we catch a scattered phrase
or sentence in English.
SACHA, a friendly young Russian bartender, hands a drink to
a customer with the Russian equivalent of "Bottoms Up." The
customer answers with "Cheerio."
CARL, the waiter, is a fat, jovial German refugee with
spectacles. He walks, tray in hand, to a private door, over
which ABDUL, a large, burly man, stands guard.
CARL
Open up, Abdul.
ABDUL
(respectfully)
Yes, Herr Professor.
Abdul opens the door and Carl goes into the gambling room.
INT. RICK'S CAFE - GAMBLING ROOM - NIGHT
Their is much activity at the various tables. At one table
TWO WOMEN and a MAN play cards. They glance at another table.
One of them calls to Carl.
FIRST WOMAN
Uh, waiter.
CARL
Yes, Madame?
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.
MAN
We have something to look forward
to.
CARL
And his father is the bell boy.
Carl laughs.
The overseer walks up to a table with a paper in his hand.
Then we see a drink and a man's hand, but nothing more. The
overseer places a check on the table. The hand picks up the
check and writes on it, in pencil, "Okay-Rick."
The overseer takes the check.
We now see RICK, sitting at a table alone playing solitary
chess. Rick is an American of indeterminate age. There is no
expression on his face -- complete deadpan.
There is a commotion at the door as people attempt to come
into the gambling room. He nods approval to Abdul.
Then a GERMAN appears in the doorway. Abdul looks to Rick
who glances back toward the open door and nods "no".
Abdul starts to close the door on the man.
ABDUL
I'm sorry sir, this is a private
room.
GERMAN
Of all the nerve! Who do you think...
I know there's gambling in there!
There's no secret. You dare not keep
me out of here!
The man tries to push his way through the door as Rick walks
up.
RICK
(coldly)
Yes? What's the trouble?
ABDUL
This gentleman --
The German interrupts and waves his card.
GERMAN
I've been in every gambling room
between Honolulu and Berlin and if
you think I'm going to be kept out
of a saloon like this, you're very
much mistaken.
At this moment UGARTE, a small, thin man with a nervous air,
tries to squeeze through the doorway blocked by the German.
If he were an American, Ugarte would look like a tout.
He gets through and passes Rick.
UGARTE
Uh, excuse me, please. Hello, Rick.
RICK
(softly)
Hello Ugarte.
Rick looks at the German calmly, takes the card out of his
hand, and tears it up.
RICK
Your cash is good at the bar.
GERMAN
What! Do you know who I am?
RICK
I do. You're lucky the bar's open to
you.
GERMAN
This is outrageous. I shall report
it to the Angriff!
The German storms off, tossing the pieces of his card into
the air behind him.
Rick meets Ugarte on his way back to his table.
UGARTE
(fawning)
Huh. You know, Rick, watching you
just now with the Deutsches Bank,
one would think you'd been doing
this all your life.
RICK
(stiffening)
Well, what makes you think I haven't?
UGARTE
(vaguely)
Oh, nothing. But when you first came
to Casablanca, I thought --
RICK
(coldly)
-- You thought what?
Fearing to offend Rick, Ugarte laughs.
UGARTE
What right do I have to think?
Ugarte pulls out a chair at Rick's table.
UGARTE
May I? Too bad about those two German
couriers, wasn't it?
RICK
(indifferently)
They got a lucky break. Yesterday
they were just two German clerks.
Today they're the 'Honored Dead'.
UGARTE
You are a very cynical person, Rick,
if you'll forgive me for saying so.
Ugarte sits down.
RICK
(shortly)
I forgive you.
A waiter comes up to the table with a tray of drinks. He
places one before Ugarte.
UGARTE
Thank you.
(to Rick)
Will you have a drink with me please?
RICK
No.
UGARTE
I forgot. You never drink with...
(to waiter)
I'll have another, please.
(to Rick, sadly)
You despise me, don't you?
RICK
(indifferently)
If I gave you any thought, I probably
would.
UGARTE
But why? Oh, you object to the kind
of business I do, huh? But think of
all those poor refugees who must rot
in this place if I didn't help them.
That's not so bad. Through ways of
my own I provide them with exit visas.
RICK
For a price, Ugarte, for a price.
UGARTE
But think of all the poor devils who
cannot meet Renault's price. I get
it for them for half. Is that so
parasitic?
RICK
I don't mind a parasite. I object to
a cut-rate one.
UGARTE
Well, Rick, after tonight I'll be
through with the whole business, and
I am leaving finally this Casablanca.
RICK
Who did you bribe for your visa?
Renault or yourself?
UGARTE
(ironically)
Myself. I found myself much more
reasonable.
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.
RICK
For how long?
UGARTE
Perhaps an hour, perhaps a little
longer.
RICK
I don't want them here overnight.
UGARTE
Don't be afraid of that. Please keep
them for me. Thank you. I knew I
could trust you.
Rick takes them. Ugarte leaves the table just as the waiter
comes up.
UGARTE
Oh, waiter. I'll be expecting some
people. If anybody asks for me, I'll
be right here.
WAITER
Yes, Monsieur.
The waiter leaves. Ugarte turns to Rick.
UGARTE
Rick, I hope you are more impressed
with me now, huh? If you'll forgive
me, I'll share my good luck with
your roulette wheel.
He starts across the floor.
RICK
Just a moment.
Ugarte stops as Rick comes up to him.
RICK
Yeah, I heard a rumor that those
German couriers were carrying letters
of transit.
Ugarte hesitates for 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.
Rick leaves the gambling room and goes into the main room.
CUT TO:
INT. RICK'S CAFE - MAIN ROOM - NIGHT
Rick makes his way over to Sam, who plays and sings the "Knock
Wood" number, accompanied by the orchestra. The cafe is in
semi-darkness. The spotlight is on Sam, and every time the
orchestra comes in on the "Knock Wood" business, the spotlight
swings over to the orchestra.
During one of the periods when the spotlight is on the
orchestra, Rick slips the letters of transit into the piano.
FERRARI, owner of the Blue Parrot, a competing night spot,
comes into the cafe, sits down, and watches Sam.
Then he sees Rick and they smile at each other. At the end
of the number Ferrari goes to the bar to speak to Rick.
FERRARI
Hello, Rick.
RICK
Hello, Ferrari. How's business at
the Blue Parrot?
FERRARI
Fine, but I would like to buy your
cafe.
RICK
It's not for sale.
FERRARI
You haven't heard my offer.
RICK
It's not for sale at any price.
FERRARI
What do you want for Sam?
RICK
I don't buy or sell human beings.
FERRARI
That's too bad. That's Casablanca's
leading commodity. In refugees alone
we could make a fortune if you would
work with me through the black market.
RICK
Suppose you run your business and
let me run mine.
FERRARI
Suppose we ask Sam. Maybe he'd like
to make a change.
RICK
Suppose we do.
FERRARI
My dear Rick, when will you realize
that in this world today isolationism
is no longer a practical policy?
Rick and Ferrari walk over to the piano.
RICK
Sam, Ferrari wants you to work for
him at the Blue Parrot.
SAM
I like it fine here.
RICK
He'll double what I pay you.
SAM
Yeah, but I ain't got time to spend
the money I make here.
RICK
Sorry.
Apparently satisfied, Ferrari walks away.
Back at the bar, YVONNE, an attractive young French woman,
sits on a stool drinking brandy.
Sacha, who looks at her with lovesick eyes, fills her tumbler.
SACHA
The boss's private stock. Because,
Yvonne, I loff you.
YVONNE
(morosely)
Oh, shut up.
SACHA
(fondly)
All right, all right. For you, Yvonne,
I shot opp, because, Yvonne, I loff
you. Uh oh.
Rick saunters over and leans on the bar, next to Yvonne.
He pays no attention to her. She looks at him bitterly,
without saying a word.
SACHA
Oh, Monsieur Rick, Monsieur Rick.
Some Germans, boom, boom, boom, boom,
gave this check. Is it all right?
Rick looks the check over and tears it up. Yvonne has never
taken her eyes off Rick.
YVONNE
Where were you last night?
RICK
That's so long ago, I don't remember.
YVONNE
Will I see you tonight?
RICK
(matter-of-factly)
I never make plans that far ahead.
Yvonne turns, looks at Sacha, and extends her glass to him.
YVONNE
Give me another.
RICK
Sacha, she's had enough.
YVONNE
Don't listen to him, Sacha. Fill it
up.
SACHA
Yvonne, I loff you, but he pays me.
Yvonne wheels on Rick with drunken fury.
YVONNE
Rick, I'm sick and tired of having
you --
RICK
-- Sacha, call a cab.
SACHA
Yes, boss.
Rick takes Yvonne by the arm.
RICK
Come on, we're going to get your
coat.
YVONNE
Take your hands off me!
He pulls her along toward the door.
RICK
No. You're going home. You've had a
little too much to drink.
CUT TO:
EXT. RICK'S CAFE - NIGHT
Sacha stands at the curb on the street in front of Rick's
and signals for a cab.
SACHA
Taxi!
Soon one pulls up.
Rick and Yvonne come out of the cafe. He puts a coat over
her shoulders and she objects violently.
YVONNE
Who do you think you are, pushing me
around? What a fool I was to fall
for a man like you.
Rick and Yvonne approach the waiting cab.
RICK
(to Sacha)
You'd better go with her, Sacha, to
be sure she gets home.
SACHA
Yes, boss.
RICK
And come right back.
SACHA
(his face falling)
Yes, boss.
Rick stands and looks up at the revolving beacon light from
the airport. It intermittently sheds its light on Rick's
face.
Renault sits at a table on the cafe terrace, watching this
evening's performance.
RENAULT
Hello, Rick.
Rick walks over to him.
RICK
Hello, Louis.
RENAULT
How extravagant you are, throwing
away women like that. Someday they
may be scarce.
Rick sits down at the table.
RENAULT
(amused)
You know, I think now I shall pay a
call on Yvonne, maybe get her on the
rebound, eh?
RICK
When it comes to women, you're a
true democrat.
As they talk, Captain Tonelli and Lieutenant Casselle walk
by toward the entrance of the cafe. Casselle talks non-stop
and Tonelli tries. They both stop, salute Renault, and walk
into the cafe.
RENAULT
If he gets a word in it'll be a major
Italian victory.
Rick laughs.
Rick and Renault look up when they hear the BUZZ of a plane
taking off from the adjacent airfield. The plane flies
directly over their heads.
RENAULT
The plane to Lisbon.
(pause)
You would like to be on it?
RICK
(curtly)
Why? What's in Lisbon?
RENAULT
The clipper to America.
Rick doesn't answer. His look isn't a happy one.
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.
RENAULT
Huh!
EMIL, the croupier, comes out of the cafe and walks over to
Rick.
EMIL
Excuse me, Monsieur Rick, but a
gentleman inside has won twenty
thousand francs. The cashier would
like some money.
RICK
Well, I'll get it from the safe.
EMIL
I am so upset, Monsieur Rick. You
know I can't understand --
RICK
-- Forget it, Emil. Mistakes like
that happen all the time.
EMIL
I'm awfully sorry.
The three men enter the cafe.
CUT TO:
INT. RICK'S CAFE - MAIN ROOM - NIGHT
They pass Sam at the piano. He's playing "Baby Face". Rick
pats Sam on the shoulder.
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.
They start upstairs to Rick's office, passing Casselle who
is still haranguing Tonelli.
RENAULT
You know, Rick, we could have made
this arrest earlier in the evening
at the Blue Parrot, but out of my
high regard for you we are staging
it here. It will amuse your customers.
RICK
Our entertainment is enough.
They go inside the office.
INT. RICK'S CAFE - OFFICE - NIGHT
Rick opens up the safe in a small, dark room just off the
office. Only Rick's shadow can be seen getting the money
out.
RENAULT
Rick, we are to have an important
guest tonight, Major Strasser of the
Third Reich, no less. We want him to
be here when we make the arrest. A
little demonstration of the efficiency
of my administration.
Rick moves out of the shadows and into view.
RICK
I see. And what's Strasser doing
here? He certainly didn't come all
the way to Casablanca to witness a
demonstration of your efficiency.
RENAULT
Perhaps not.
He gives the money to Emil.
RICK
Here you are.
EMIL
It shall not happen again, Monsieur.
RICK
That's all right.
Emil departs.
RICK
Louis, you've got something on your
mind. Why don't you spill it?
Rick closes the door to the office, then goes over to close
the safe.
RENAULT
How observant you are. As a matter
of fact, I wanted to give you a word
of advice.
RICK
Yeah? Have a brandy?
RENAULT
Thank you. 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 we 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.
RICK
Victor Laszlo?
Renault watches Rick's reaction.
RENAULT
Rick, that is the first time I have
ever seen you so impressed.
RICK
Well, he's succeeded in impressing
half the world.
RENAULT
It is my duty to see that he doesn't
impress the other half. Rick, Laszlo
must never reach America. He stays
in Casablanca.
RICK
It'll be interesting to see how he
manages.
RENAULT
Manages what?
RICK
His escape.
RENAULT
Oh, but I just told you. --
RICK
-- Stop it. He escaped from a
concentration camp and the Nazis
have been chasing him all over Europe.
RENAULT
This is the end of the chase.
RICK
Twenty thousand francs says it isn't.
They sit down to discuss the matter in earnest.
RENAULT
Is that a serious offer?
RICK
I just paid out twenty. I'd like to
get it back.
RENAULT
Make it ten. I am only a poor corrupt
official.
RICK
Okay.
RENAULT
Done. No matter how clever he is, he
still needs an exit visa, or I should
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.
Rick makes a face.
RENAULT
Oh, laugh if you will, but I happen
to be familiar with your record. Let
me point out just two items. In 1935
you ran guns to Ethiopia. In 1936,
you fought in Spain on the Loyalist
side.
RICK
And got well paid for it on both
occasions.
RENAULT
The winning side would have paid you
much better.
RICK
Maybe. Well, it seems you are
determined to keep Laszlo here.
RENAULT
I have my orders.
RICK
Oh, I see. Gestapo spank.
Renault stands up.
RENAULT
My dear Ricky, you overestimate the
influence of the Gestapo. I don't
interfere with them and they don't
interfere with me. In Casablanca I
am master of my fate. I am captain
of my --
He stops short as his AIDE enters.
AIDE
-- Major Strasser is here, sir.
Renault starts to leave.
RICK
Yeah, you were saying?
RENAULT
(hurriedly)
Excuse me.
He hurries away. Rick smiles cynically.
CUT TO:
INT. RICK'S CAFE - MAIN ROOM - NIGHT
Renault walks up to Carl.
RENAULT
Carl, see that Major Strasser gets a
good table, one close to the ladies.
CARL
I have already given him the best,
knowing he is German and would take
it anyway.
Renault walks over to one of his officers.
RENAULT
Take him quietly. Two guards at every
door.
OFFICER
Yes, sir. Everything is ready, sir.
The officer salutes and goes off to speak to the guards.
Renault walks over to Strasser's table as Rick comes down
the stairs.
RENAULT
Good evening, gentlemen.
STRASSER
Good evening, Captain.
HEINZE
Won't you join us?
Renault sits down.
RENAULT
Thank you. It is a pleasure to have
you here, Major.
STRASSER
(to the waiter)
Champagne and a tin of caviar.
RENAULT
May I recommend Veuve Cliquot '26, a
good French wine.
STRASSER
Thank you.
WAITER
Very well, sir.
STRASSER
A very interesting club.
RENAULT
Especially so tonight, Major. In a
few minutes you will see the arrest
of the man who murdered your couriers.
STRASSER
I expected no less, Captain.
CUT TO:
INT. RICK'S CAFE - GAMBLING ROOM - NIGHT
Ugarte stands at the roulette table. Two gendarmes approach
him from behind.
GENDARME
Monsieur Ugarte?
Ugarte looks around.
UGARTE
Oh. Yes?
GENDARME
Will you please come with us.
UGARTE
Certainly. May I first please cash
my chips?
The officer nods. They follow Ugarte to the cashier's window.
Ugarte puts his chips through the window to the CASHIER.
UGARTE
Pretty lucky, huh? Two thousand,
please.
Two more guards station themselves at the door in case there
is trouble.
CASHIER
Two thousand.
UGARTE
Thank you.
Ugarte starts to walk out, followed by the gendarmes. When
he reaches the doorway he suddenly rushes through and slams
the door behind himself.
INT. RICK'S CAFE - MAIN ROOM - NIGHT
By the time the gendarmes manage to get the door open again,
Ugarte has pulled a gun.
He FIRES at the doorway. The SHOTS bring on pandemonium in
the cafe.
As Ugarte runs through the hallway he sees Rick, appearing
from the opposite direction, and grabs him.
UGARTE
Rick! Rick, help me!
RICK
Don't be a fool. You can't get away.
UGARTE
Rick, hide me. Do something! You
must help me, Rick. Do something!
Guards and gendarmes rush in and grab Ugarte. Rick stands
impassively as they drag Ugarte off.
UGARTE
Rick! Rick!
We move to Strasser's table, who has witnessed the event.
STRASSER
Excellent, Captain.
Back to Rick, still standing where he was, as a CUSTOMER
walks by.
CUSTOMER
When they come to get me, Rick, I
hope you'll be more of a help.
RICK
I stick my neck out for nobody.
Rick comes out to the middle of the floor. An air of tense
expectancy pervades the room. A few customers are on the
point of leaving. Rick speaks in a very calm voice.
RICK
I'm sorry there was a disturbance,
folks, but it's all over now.
Everything's all right. Just sit
down and have a good time. Enjoy
yourself.
Rick glances toward Sam.
RICK
All right, Sam.
Sam nods and begins to play.
Renault, Strasser, and Heinze sit calmly at their table after
witnessing the arrest.
Rick walks by.
RENAULT
(calling to Rick)
Oh, Rick?
Rick stops and comes over to their table.
RENAULT
Rick, this is Major Heinrich Strasser
of the Third Reich.
STRASSER
How do you do, Mr. Rick?
RICK
Oh, how do you do?
RENAULT
And you already know Herr Heinze of
the Third Reich.
Rick nods to Strasser and Heinze.
STRASSER
Please join us, Mr. Rick.
Rick sits down with them.
RENAULT
We are very honored tonight, Rick.
Major Strasser is one of the reasons the Third Reich enjoys
the reputation it has today.
STRASSER
You repeat "Third Reich" as though
you expected there to be others.
RENAULT
Well, personally, Major, I will take
what comes.
STRASSER
(to Rick)
Do you mind if I ask you a few
questions? Unofficially, of course.
RICK
Make it official, if you like.
STRASSER
What is your nationality?
RICK
(pokerfaced)
I'm a drunkard.
RENAULT
That makes Rick a citizen of the
world.
RICK
I was born in New York City if that'll
help you any.
STRASSER
I understand you came here from Paris
at the time of the occupation.
RICK
There seems to be no secret about
that.
STRASSER
Are you one of those people who cannot
imagine the Germans in their beloved
Paris?
RICK
It's not particularly my beloved
Paris.
HEINZE
Can you imagine us in London?
RICK
When you get there, ask me.
RENAULT
Ho, diplomatist!
STRASSER
How about New York?
RICK
Well, there are certain sections of
New York, Major, that I wouldn't
advise you to try to invade.
STRASSER
Aha. Who do you think will win the
war?
RICK
I haven't the slightest idea.
RENAULT
Rick is completely neutral about
everything. And that takes in the
field of women, too.
STRASSER
You weren't always so carefully
neutral. We have a complete dossier
on you.
Strasser takes a little black book from his pocket and turns
to a certain page.
STRASSER
"Richard Blaine, American. Age, thirty-
seven. Cannot return to his country."
Strasser looks up from the book
STRASSER
The reason is a little vague. We
also know what you did in Paris, Mr.
Blaine, and also we know why you
left Paris.
Rick reaches over and takes the book from Strasser's hand.
STRASSER
Don't worry. We are not going to
broadcast it.
Rick looks up from the book.
RICK
Are my eyes really brown?
STRASSER
You will forgive my curiosity, Mr.
Blaine. The point is, an enemy of
the Reich has 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.
STRASSER
Victor Laszlo published the foulest
lies in the Prague newspapers until
the very day we marched in, and even
after that he continued to print
scandal sheets in a cellar.
RENAULT
Of course, one must admit he has
great courage.
STRASSER
I admit he is very clever. Three
times he slipped through our fingers.
In Paris he continued his activities.
We intend not to let it happen again.
Rick gets up.
RICK
You'll excuse me, gentlemen. Your
business is politics. Mine is running
a saloon.
STRASSER
Good evening, Mr. Blaine.
Rick walks away toward the gambling room.
RENAULT
You see, Major, you have nothing to
worry about Rick.
STRASSER
Perhaps.
A couple comes in the front door. They are VICTOR LASZLO,
the Czech resistance leader, and a very pretty young woman
wearing a simple white gown, MISS ILSA LUND. She is so
beautiful, in fact, that people turn to stare.
The HEADWAITER comes up to them.
HEADWAITER
Yes, Monsieur?
LASZLO
I reserved a table. Victor Laszlo.
HEADWAITER
Yes, Monsieur Laszlo. Right this
way.
As the headwaiter takes them to a table they pass by the
piano, and the woman looks at Sam.
Sam, with a conscious effort, keeps his eyes on the keyboard
as they go past. He appears to know this woman. After she
has gone by Sam steals a look in her direction.
BERGER, a slight, middle-aged man, observes the couple from
a distance.
The headwaiter seats Ilsa. Laszlo takes the chair opposite
and surveys the room.
Strasser and Renault look up at them from their table.
LASZLO
Two cointreaux, please.
WAITER
Yes, Monsieur.
LASZLO
(to Ilsa)
I saw no one of Ugarte's description.
ILSA
Victor, I, I feel somehow we shouldn't
stay here.
LASZLO
If we would walk out so soon, it
would only call attention to us.
Perhaps Ugarte's in some other part
of the cafe.
Berger walks up to their table.
BERGER
Excuse me, but you look like a couple
who are on their way to America.
LASZLO
Well?
Berger takes a ring from his finger.
BERGER
You will find a market there for
this ring. I am forced to sell it at
a great sacrifice.
LASZLO
Thank you, but I hardly think --
BERGER
-- Then perhaps for the lady. The
ring is quite unique.
He holds it down for their view. Carefully lifting up the
stone, he reveals...
INSERT - a gold plate in the setting underneath, an impression
of the Lorraine Cross of General de Gaulle.
LASZLO
Oh, yes, I'm very interested.
Berger sits down with them.
BERGER
Good.
LASZLO
(lower voice)
What is your name?
BERGER
Berger, Norwegian, and at your
service, sir.
Renault approaches the table from behind Laszlo. Ilsa tries
to warn him.
ILSA
Victor...
Laszlo understands.
LASZLO
(in a low voice)
I'll meet you in a few minutes at
the bar.
(in a louder voice)
I do not think we want to buy the
ring. But thank you for showing it
to us.
Berger, taking the cue, sighs and puts the ring away.
BERGER
Such a bargain. But that is your
decision?
LASZLO
I'm sorry. It is.
Berger gets up and leaves as Renault moves to the table.
RENAULT
Monsieur Laszlo, is it not?
LASZLO
Yes.
RENAULT
I am Captain Renault, Prefect of
Police.
LASZLO
Yes. What is it you want?
RENAULT
(amiably)
Merely to welcome you to Casablanca
and wish you a pleasant stay. It is
not often we have so distinguished a
visitor.
LASZLO
Thank you. I hope you'll forgive me,
Captain, but the present French
administration has not always been
so cordial. May I present Miss Ilsa
Lund?
RENAULT
I was informed you were the most
beautiful woman ever to visit
Casablanca. That was a gross
understatement.
Ilsa's manner is friendly and reserved, her voice low and
soft.
ILSA
You are very kind.
LASZLO
Won't you join us?
He sits down.
RENAULT
If you will permit me.
(calls to the waiter)
Oh, Emil. Please, a bottle of your
best champagne, and put it on my
bill.
EMIL
Very well, sir.
LASZLO
No, Captain, please.
RENAULT
No. Please, Monsieur, it is a little
game we play. They put it on the
bill, I tear the bill up. It is very
convenient.
Ilsa glances off in Sam's direction.
ILSA
Captain, the boy who is playing the
piano, somewhere I have seen him.
RENAULT
Sam?
ILSA
Yes.
RENAULT
He came from Paris with Rick.
ILSA
Rick? Who's he?
RENAULT
(smiling)
Mademoiselle, you are in Rick's and
Rick is --
ILSA
-- Is what?
RENAULT
Well, Mademoiselle, he's the kind of
a man that, well, if I were a woman
and I...
(taps his chest)
were not around, I should be in love
with Rick. But what a fool I am
talking to a beautiful woman about
another man.
Renault jumps to his feet as Strasser enters.
RENAULT
Excuse me. Ah, Major. Mademoiselle
Lund, Monsieur Laszlo, may I present
Major Heinrich Strasser.
Strasser bows and smiles pleasantly.
STRASSER
How do you do. This is a pleasure I
have long looked forward to.
There is not the slightest recognition from either Ilsa or
Laszlo.
Strasser waits to be asked to seat himself.
LASZLO
I'm sure you'll excuse me if I am
not gracious, but you see, Major
Strasser, I'm a Czechoslovakian.
STRASSER
You were a Czechoslovakian. Now you
are a subject of the German Reich!
Laszlo stands.
LASZLO
I've never accepted that privilege,
and I'm now on French soil.
STRASSER
I should like to discuss some matters
arising from your presence on French
soil.
LASZLO
This is hardly the time or the place.
STRASSER
(hardening)
Then we shall state another time and
another place. Tomorrow at ten in
the Prefect's office, with
Mademoiselle.
LASZLO
Captain Renault, I am under your
authority. Is it your order that we
come to your office?
RENAULT
(amiably)
Let us say that it is my request.
That is a much more pleasant word.
LASZLO
Very well.
Renault and Strasser bow shortly.
RENAULT
Mademoiselle.
STRASSER
Mademoiselle.
Renault and Strasser walk away.
RENAULT
A very clever tactical retreat, Major.
Strasser looks at Renault sharply, but sees only a
noncommittal smile on Renault's face.
Laszlo remains standing at the table as Strasser and Renault
leave.
LASZLO
This time they really mean to stop
me.
ILSA
Victor, I'm afraid for you.
LASZLO
We have been in difficult places
before, haven't we?
Ilsa smiles back at him, but her eyes are still troubled.
On the floor, CORINA strums a guitar and begins her number.
Meanwhile, Laszlo looks about with apparent casualness. He
sees Strasser and Renault whispering together, then notices
Berger at the bar.
LASZLO
I must find out what Berger knows.
ILSA
Be careful.
LASZLO
I will, don't worry.
He rises and goes off.
We see Ilsa's troubled profile.
While Corina sings, Sam gives a worried glance in Ilsa's
direction. Ilsa watches him.
At the bar, Berger sips a drink. Laszlo walks up and casually
takes a place at the bar next to Berger.
LASZLO
Mr. Berger, the ring, could I see it
again?
BERGER
Yes, Monsieur.
LASZLO
(to Sacha)
A champagne cocktail, please.
Laszlo takes the ring and looks at it.
BERGER
(in a low voice)
I recognize you from the news
photographs, Monsieur Laszlo.
LASZLO
In a concentration camp, one is apt
to lose a little weight.
BERGER
We read five times that you were
killed in five different places.
LASZLO
(smiles wryly)
As you see, it was true every single
time. Thank heaven I found you,
Berger. I am looking for a man by
the name of Ugarte. He is supposed
to help me.
Berger shakes his head.
BERGER
Ugarte cannot even help himself,
Monsieur. He is under arrest for
murder. He was arrested here tonight.
Laszlo absorbs the shock quietly.
LASZLO
I see.
BERGER
(with intense devotion)
But we who are still free will do
all we can. We are organized,
Monsieur, underground like everywhere
else. Tomorrow night there is a
meeting at the Caverne du Bois. If
you would come...
He stops when Sacha brings the drink to Laszlo.
Corina finishes her song, and the crowd applauds quite
enthusiastically.
Ilsa sits alone at her table.
ILSA
(to waiter)
Will you ask the piano player to
come over here, please?
WAITER
Very well, Mademoiselle.
Renault comes up to the bar near Berger and Laszlo.
RENAULT
How's the jewelry business, Berger?
BERGER
Er, not so good.
(to Sacha)
May I have my check, please?
RENAULT
Too bad you weren't here earlier,
Monsieur Laszlo. We had quite a bit
of excitement this evening, didn't
we, Berger?
BERGER
Er, yes. Excuse me, gentlemen.
LASZLO
My bill.
RENAULT
No. Two champagne cocktails, please.
SACHA
Yes, sir.
Sam wheels in the piano to Ilsa's table. On his face is that
funny fear.
Ilsa herself is not as self-possessed as she tries to appear.
There is something behind this, some mystery.
ILSA
Hello, Sam.
SAM
Hello, Miss Ilsa. I never expected
to see you again.
He sits down and is ready to play.
ILSA
It's been a long time.
SAM
Yes, ma'am. A lot of water under the
bridge.
ILSA
Some of the old songs, Sam.
SAM
Yes, ma'am.
Sam begins to play a number. He is nervous, waiting for
anything.
ILSA
Where is Rick?
SAM
(evading)
I don't know. I ain't seen him all
night.
Sam looks very uncomfortable.
ILSA
When will he be back?
SAM
Not tonight no more. He ain't coming.
Uh, he went home.
ILSA
Does he always leave so early?
SAM
Oh, he never... well...
(desperately)
he's got a girl up at the Blue Parrot.
He goes up there all the time.
ILSA
You used to be a much better liar,
Sam.
SAM
Leave him alone, Miss Ilsa. You're
bad luck to him.
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.
SAM
You must remember this, A kiss is
just a kiss, A sigh is just a sigh,
The fundamental things apply, As
time goes by.
The door to the gambling room opens. Rick comes swinging
out. He's heard the music and he's livid.
SAM
And when two lovers woo, They both
say I love you, On that you can rely,
No matter what the future brings, As
time goes by.
Rick walks briskly up to the piano.
RICK
Sam, I thought I told you never to
play...
As he sees Ilsa he stops short. Sam stops playing.
Two close-ups reveal Ilsa and Rick seeing each other.
Rick appears shocked. For a long moment he just looks at
her.
Sam prepares to move the piano away.
Renault and Laszlo approach the table from the bar.
RENAULT
(to Ilsa)
Well, you were asking about Rick and
here he is. Mademoiselle, may I
present --
RICK
-- Hello, Ilsa.
ILSA
Hello, Rick.
RENAULT
Oh, you've already met Rick,
Mademoiselle?
There's no answer from either.
RENAULT
Well then, perhaps you also ---
ILSA
-- This is Mr. Laszlo.
LASZLO
How do you do?
RICK
How do you do?
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.
Rick sits down.
RENAULT
Well! A precedent is being broken.
Er, Emil!
LASZLO
This is a very interesting cafe. I
congratulate you.
RICK
And I congratulate you.
LASZLO
What for?
RICK
Your work.
LASZLO
Thank you. I try.
RICK
We all try. You succeed.
RENAULT
I can't get over you two. She was
asking about you earlier, Rick, in a
way that made me extremely jealous.
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.
LASZLO
Ilsa, I don't wish to be the one to
say it, but it's late.
RENAULT
(glancing at his
wristwatch)
So it is. And we have a curfew here
in Casablanca. It would never do for
the Chief of Police to be found
drinking after hours and have to
fine himself.
Rick and Ilsa look at each other.
Laszlo signals the waiter.
LASZLO
I hope we didn't overstay our welcome.
RICK
Not at all.
WAITER
(to Laszlo)
Your check, sir.
Rick takes the check.
RICK
(to waiter)
Oh, it's my party.
RENAULT
Another precedent gone. This has
been a very interesting evening.
I'll call you a cab. Gasoline
rationing, time of night.
Renault leaves.
LASZLO
We'll come again.
RICK
Any time.
ILSA
Say goodnight to Sam for me.
RICK
I will.
ILSA
There's still nobody in the world
who can play "As Time Goes By" like
Sam.
RICK
He hasn't played it in a long time.
Ilsa smiles.
ILSA
Goodnight.
LASZLO
Goodnight.
RICK
Goodnight.
Rick and Laszlo nod goodnight to each other. Laszlo and Ilsa
start to the door as Rick sits down again and stares off in
their direction.
CUT TO:
EXT. RICK'S CAFE - NIGHT
Ilsa and Laszlo leave the cafe.
LASZLO
A very puzzling fellow, this Rick.
What sort is he?
Ilsa doesn't look at him.
ILSA
Oh, I really can't say, though I saw
him quite often in Paris.
They join Renault at the curb.
RENAULT
Tomorrow at ten at the Prefect's
office.
LASZLO
We'll be there.
RENAULT
Goodnight.
ILSA
Goodnight.
LASZLO
Goodnight.
They get into a waiting cab, leaving Renault on the curb,
smoking and looking bemused.
The neon sign goes off and the doorway is now illuminated by
the revolving beacon from the airport.
CUT TO:
INT. RICK'S CAFE - MAIN ROOM - NIGHT
The customers have all gone. The house lights are out.
Rick sits alone at a table. There is a glass of bourbon on
the table directly in front of him, and another empty glass
on the table before an empty chair. Near at hand is a bottle.
He fills his glass and drinks it quickly.
Rick just sits. His face is entirely expressionless. The
beacon light from the airport sweeps around the room creating
a mood of unreality.
Sam comes in and stands hesitantly beside Rick.
SAM
Boss.
No answer, as Rick drinks.
SAM
Boss!
RICK
Yeah?
SAM
Boss, ain't you going to bed?
RICK
Not right now.
Sam now realizes Rick is in a very grim mood.
SAM
(lightly)
Ain't you planning on going to bed
in the near future?
RICK
No.
SAM
You ever going to bed?
RICK
No.
SAM
Well, I ain't sleepy either.
RICK
Good. Then have a drink.
SAM
No. Not me, boss.
RICK
Then don't have a drink.
SAM
Boss, let's get out of here.
RICK
(emphatically)
No, sir. I'm waiting for a lady.
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.
Sam sits down at the piano and starts to play softly,
improvising.
RICK
They grab Ugarte and she walks in.
Well, that's the way it goes. One
in, one out. Sam?
SAM
Yeah, boss?
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'll 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.
He holds his head in his hands.
RICK
What's that you're playing?
SAM
Just a little something of my own.
RICK
Well, stop it. You know what I want
to hear.
SAM
No, I don't.
RICK
You played it for her and you can
play it for me.
SAM
Well, I don't think I can remember
it.
RICK
If she can stand it, I can. Play it!
SAM
Yes, boss.
Sam starts to play "As Time Goes By."
Rick just stares ahead as orchestra MUSIC slowly joins Sam's
playing.
DISSOLVE TO:
MONTAGE - PARIS IN THE SPRING
A) The Arc de Triomphe from a distance.
B) Rick drives a small, open car slowly along the boulevard.
He puts his arm around Ilsa. The background scenery changes
to a country road as she snuggles close to him and puts her
head on his shoulder.
C) An excursion boat on the Seine. Rick and Ilsa stand at
the rail of the boat. They seem to be transported by each
other as Ilsa laughs.
CUT TO:
INT. RICK'S PARIS APARTMENT - DAY
Ilsa fixes flowers at the window while Rick opens champagne.
She walks over and joins him.
RICK
Who are you really? And what were
you before? What did you do and what
did you think? Huh?
ILSA
We said "no questions."
RICK
Here's looking at you, kid.
They drink.
CUT TO:
INT. PARIS CAFE - NIGHT
Inside a swank Paris cafe, Rick and Ilsa dance. They appear
to be very much in love as the MUSIC plays.
CUT TO:
INT. ILSA'S PARIS APARTMENT - DAY
Ilsa flips a coin, then tosses it over to Rick.
ILSA
A franc for your thoughts.
RICK
In America they'd bring only a penny.
I guess that's about all they're
worth.
ILSA
I'm willing to be overcharged. Tell
me.
RICK
And I was wondering.
ILSA
Yes?
RICK
Why I'm so lucky. Why I should find
you waiting for me to come along.
ILSA
Why there is no other man in my life?
RICK
Uh huh.
ILSA
That's easy. There was. He's dead.
RICK
I'm sorry for asking. I forgot we
said "no questions."
ILSA
Well, only one answer can take care
of all our questions.
They kiss passionately.
CUT TO:
MONTAGE - NEWSREEL FOOTAGE OF THE GERMAN OCCUPATION OF FRANCE.
A) The rubble of a burned-out, demolished building. A sign
with an arrow points to Paris.
B) German troops crossing a river.
C) Tanks rolling down the road toward Paris.
D) German war planes overhead.
CUT TO:
EXT. PARIS CAFE - DAY
A man sells newspapers to people crowded around him. There
is much excitement. Rick and Ilsa sit at a table. They buy a
newspaper and begin to read it.
Nearby, a group of frightened French people cluster around a
loudspeaker on a wagon. A harsh voice barks out the tragic
news of the Nazi push toward Paris.
RICK
Nothing can stop them now.
Wednesday, Thursday at the latest, they'll be in Paris.
ILSA
(frightened)
Richard, they'll find out your record.
It won't be safe for you here.
RICK
I'm on their blacklist already, their
roll of honor.
CUT TO:
INT. LA BELLE AURORE - AFTERNOON
A small cafe in the Montmartre. A shadow on the floor reflects
the cafe sign "La Belle Aurore."
Rick, at the bar, gets glasses and a bottle of champagne.
He walks over to Ilsa and Sam at the piano.
Sam plays "As Time Goes By."
Ilsa seems unnerved. There is evidently something on her
mind.
Rick pours the champagne. His manner is wry, but not the
bitter wryness we have seen in Casablanca.
RICK
Henri wants us to finish this bottle
and then three more. He says he'll
water his garden with champagne before
he'll let the Germans drink any of
it.
Sam looks at his glass.
SAM
This sort of takes the sting out of
being occupied, doesn't it, Mr.
Richard?
RICK
You said it!
(to Ilsa)
Here's looking at you, kid.
Suddenly a loudspeaker BLARES out something in German. Rick
and Ilsa look at each other, then hurry to the window.
RICK
My German's a little rusty.
ILSA
It's the Gestapo. They say they expect
to be in Paris tomorrow.
They are telling us how to act when they come marching in.
She smiles faintly.
ILSA
With the whole world crumbling, we
pick this time to fall in love.
RICK
Yeah. It's pretty bad timing. Where
were you, say, ten years ago?
ILSA
Ten years ago? Let's see...
(pause as she thinks
a bit)
...Yes. I was having a brace put on
my teeth. Where were you?
RICK
Looking for a job.
Ilsa looks at him tenderly. Rick takes her in his arms, and
kisses her hungrily. While they are locked in an embrace
they hear the dull BOOM of cannons.
ILSA
(frightened)
Was that cannon fire, or is it my
heart pounding?
RICK
(grimly)
Ah, that's the new German 77. And
judging by the sound, only about
thirty-five miles away.
Another BOOM from the cannons.
RICK
And getting closer every minute.
Here. Drink up. We'll never finish
the other three.
SAM
The Germans'll be here pretty soon
now, and they'll come looking for
you. And don't forget there's a price
on your head.
Ilsa reacts to this worriedly.
RICK
I left a note in my apartment. They'll
know where to find me.
Ilsa looks at Rick.
ILSA
Strange. I know so very little about
you.
RICK
I know very little about you, just
the fact that you had your teeth
straightened.
He chuckles.
ILSA
But be serious, darling. You are in
danger and you must leave Paris.
RICK
No, no, no, no. We must leave.
ILSA
(seriously)
Yes, of course, we --
RICK
-- The train for Marseilles leaves
at five o'clock. I'll pick you up at
your hotel at four-thirty.
ILSA
(quickly)
No, no. Not at my hotel. I, uh, I
have things to do in the city before
I leave. I'll meet you at the station,
huh?
RICK
All right. At a quarter to five.
(a thought strikes
him)
Say, why don't we get married in
Marseilles?
Rick chuckles again.
ILSA
(evasively)
That's too far ahead to plan.
RICK
Yes, I guess it is a little too far
ahead. Well, let's see. What about
the engineer? Why can't he marry us
on the train?
ILSA
Oh, darling!
Suddenly Ilsa turns away and starts to cry.
RICK
Well, why not? The captain on a ship
can. It doesn't seem fair that...
Hey, hey, what's wrong, kid?
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 away, 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.
Her hand falls to the table and knocks over a glass.
CUT TO:
INT. GARE DE LYON - NIGHT
It's raining very hard at the train station.
There is a hectic, fevered excitement, evident in the faces
of the people that pass by. This is the last train from Paris.
Rick appears in the crowd. He stops and puts his suitcase
down and glances at his watch.
A conductor calls out "All aboard, last train leaving in
three minutes."
Rain pours over his head and shoulders, but he doesn't seem
to notice. He nervously checks his watch again.
Suddenly Sam appears.
RICK
Where is she? Have you seen her?
SAM
No, Mr. Richard. I can't find her.
She checked out of the hotel. But this note came just after
you left.
Sam pulls an envelope from his pocket. Rick grabs it, opens
it, and stares down at the letter.
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.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. RICK'S CAFE - MAIN ROOM - NIGHT
Close-up of a glass on the table in the cafe. Rick's hand
reaches for it and knocks it over. We now see Rick's face
and he's very drunk.
Sam walks over to the table to pick up the glass and a fallen
chair.
Just then the door opens and it's Ilsa. Rick stares at the
doorway. Ilsa lingers a moment, then comes over to the table.
ILSA
Rick, I have to talk to you.
Her manner is a little uncertain, a little tentative, but
with a quiet determination beneath it.
RICK
Oh. I saved my first drink to have
with you. Here.
ILSA
No. No, Rick. Not tonight.
RICK
Especially tonight.
She sits down in the chair before the empty glass. Her eyes
are searching his face, but there is no expression on it
except a cold and impassive one.
Rick reaches for the bottle, and pours himself another drink.
ILSA
Please.
RICK
Why did you have to come to
Casablanca? There are other places.
ILSA
I wouldn't have come if I had known
that you were here. Believe me, Rick,
it's true. I didn't know.
RICK
It's funny about your voice, how it
hasn't changed. I can still hear it.
"Richard dear, I'll go with you any
place. We'll get on a train together
and never stop."
ILSA
Please don't. Don't, Rick. I can
understand how you feel.
RICK
Huh! You understand how I feel. How
long was it we had, honey?
ILSA
I didn't count the days.
RICK
Well, I did. Every one of them. Mostly
I remember the last one. A wow finish.
A guy standing on a station platform
in the rain with a comical look on
his face, because his insides had
been kicked out.
He takes a drink.
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
worshipped 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.
CUT TO:
INT. RENAULT'S OFFICE - MORNING
A sign on the door reads: Captain Renault, Prefect de Police.
Strasser sits while Renault attends to some paperwork.
STRASSER
I strongly suspect that Ugarte left
the letters of transit with Mr.
Blaine. I would suggest you search
the cafe immediately and thoroughly.
RENAULT
If Rick has the letters, he's much
too smart to let you find them there.
STRASSER
You give him credit for too much
cleverness. My impression was that
he's just another blundering American.
RENAULT
But we mustn't underestimate American
blundering. I was with them when
they "blundered" into Berlin in 1918.
Strasser looks at him.
STRASSER
As to Laszlo, we want him watched
twenty-four hours a day.
RENAULT
(reassuringly)
It may interest you to know that at
this very moment he is on his way
here.
CUT TO:
INT. PREFECTURE LOBBY - MORNING
Laszlo and Ilsa make their way through the jam in the lobby
of the Prefecture.
Jan and Annina talk to an officer.
OFFICER
(to Jan and Annina)
There's nothing we can do.
CUT TO:
INT. RENAULT'S OFFICE - MORNING
Laszlo and Ilsa enter Renault's office.
Renault bows to them both.
RENAULT
I am delighted to see you both. Did
you have a good night's rest?
LASZLO
I slept very well.
RENAULT
That's strange. Nobody is supposed
to sleep well in Casablanca.
LASZLO
(coldly)
May we proceed with the business?
RENAULT
With pleasure. Won't you sit down?
LASZLO
Thank you.
They take their seats.
STRASSER
(now as cold as Laszlo)
Very well, Herr Laszlo, we will not
mince words. You are an escaped
prisoner of the Reich. So far you
have been fortunate enough in eluding
us. You have reached Casablanca. It
is my duty to see that you stay in
Casablanca.
LASZLO
Whether or not you succeed is, of
course, problematical.
STRASSER
Not at all. Captain Renault's
signature is necessary on every exit
visa.
(turns to Renault)
Captain, would you think it is
possible that Herr Laszlo will receive
a visa?
RENAULT
I am afraid not. My regrets, Monsieur.
LASZLO
Well, perhaps I shall like it in
Casablanca.
STRASSER
And Mademoiselle?
ILSA
You needn't be concerned about me.
LASZLO
Is that all you wish to tell us?
STRASSER
Don't be in such a hurry. You have
all the time in the world. 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.
The passionate conviction in his voice now reveals the
crusader.
LASZLO
And what if you track down these men
and kill them? What if you murdered
all of us? From every corner of
Europe, hundreds, thousands, would
rise to take our places. Even Nazis
can't kill that fast.
STRASSER
Herr Laszlo, you have a reputation
for eloquence which I can now
understand. But in one respect you
are mistaken. You said the enemies
of the Reich could all be replaced,
but there is one exception. No one
could take your place in the event
anything unfortunate should occur to
you while you were trying to escape.
LASZLO
You won't dare to interfere with me
here. This is still unoccupied France.
Any violation of neutrality would
reflect on Captain Renault.
RENAULT
Monsieur, insofar as it is in my
power --
LASZLO
-- Thank you.
RENAULT
By the way, Monsieur, last night you
evinced an interest in Signor Ugarte.
LASZLO
Yes.
RENAULT
I believe you have a message for
him?
LASZLO
Nothing important, but may I speak
to him now?
STRASSER
You would find the conversation a
trifle one-sided. Signor Ugarte is
dead.
Close-ups of Ilsa, then Laszlo, reveal their disappointment.
Strasser observes their reaction.
ILSA
(softly)
Oh.
Renault holds a report.
RENAULT
I am making out the report now. We
haven't quite decided whether he
committed suicide or died trying to
escape.
LASZLO
Are you quite finished with us?
STRASSER
For the time being.
LASZLO
Good day.
Renault rings a buzzer and the door is opened for them.
As Ilsa and Laszlo leave, an OFFICER comes in.
RENAULT
Undoubtedly their next step will be
to the black market.
OFFICER
Excuse me, Captain. Another visa
problem has come up.
RENAULT
Show her in.
OFFICER
Yes, sir.
Renault looks at himself in the mirror and straightens his
tie.
CUT TO:
EXT. BLACK MARKET - DAY
The black market is a cluttered Arab street of bazaars, shops
and stalls. All kinds and races of people mill about the
merchandise which native dealers have on outdoor display.
Both men and women are dressed in tropical clothes. The
canopies over the stalls give them some protection from the
scorching sun.
On the surface the atmosphere is merely languid, but
underneath lies the sinister workings of illicit trade.
A FRENCHMAN and a NATIVE huddle together and talk in low
tones.
NATIVE
I'm sorry, Monsieur, we would have
to handle the police. This is a job
for Signor Ferrari.
FRENCHMAN
Ferrari?
NATIVE
It can be most helpful to know Signor
Ferrari. He pretty near has a monopoly
on the black market here. You will
find him over there at the Blue
Parrot.
FRENCHMAN
Thanks.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE BLUE PARROT - DAY
Outside the cafe, a blue parrot sits on a perch.
CUT TO:
INT. THE BLUE PARROT - DAY
The cafe is much less pretentious than Rick's, but well
populated.
Rick enters and walks through the cafe toward Ferrari's office
just as Ferrari emerges with Jan and Annina, who look very
disappointed.
FERRARI
There, don't be too downhearted.
Perhaps you can come to terms with
Captain Renault.
JAN
Thank you very much, Signor.
Jan leads Annina away.
RICK
Hello, Ferrari.
Signor Ferrari turns around. He's pleased to see Rick.
FERRARI
Ah, good morning, Rick.
They shake hands.
RICK
I see the bus is in. I'll take my
shipment with me.
FERRARI
No hurry. I'll have it sent over.
Have a drink with me.
RICK
I never drink in the morning. And
every time you send my shipment over,
it's always just a little bit short.
FERRARI
(chuckling)
Carrying charges, my boy, carrying
charges. Here, sit down. There's
something I want to talk over with
you, anyhow.
He hails a waiter.
FERRARI
The bourbon.
(to Rick, sighing
deeply)
The news about Ugarte upset me very
much.
RICK
You're a fat hypocrite. You don't
feel any sorrier for Ugarte than I
do.
He eyes Rick closely.
FERRARI
Of course not. What upsets me is the
fact that Ugarte is dead and no one
knows where those letters of transit
are.
RICK
Practically no one.
FERRARI
If I could lay my hands on those
letters, I could make a fortune.
RICK
So could I. And I'm a poor
businessman.
FERRARI
I have a proposition for whoever has
those letters. I will handle the
entire transaction, get rid of the
letters, take all the risk, for a
small percentage.
RICK
And the carrying charges?
FERRARI
Naturally there will be a few
incidental expenses. That is the
proposition I have for whoever has
those letters.
RICK
(dryly)
I'll tell him when he comes in.
FERRARI
Rick, I'll put my cards on the table.
I think you know where those letters
are.
RICK
Well, you're in good company. Renault
and Strasser probably think so, too.
Rick looks out of the window and sees Ilsa at the linen
bazaar, then Laszlo walking toward the cafe.
RICK
That's why I came over here to give
them a chance to ransack my place.
FERRARI
Rick, don't be a fool. Take me into
your confidence. You need a partner.
Rick isn't listening to him. He looks through the open window
in the direction of the linen bazaar.
Rick gets up.
RICK
Excuse me, I'll be getting back.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE BLUE PARROT - DAY
Laszlo reaches the entrance to the cafe as Rick comes out.
He stops and addresses Rick politely.
LASZLO
Good morning.
RICK
Signor Ferrari is the fat gent at
the table.
As he exits, Laszlo looks after him with a puzzled expression.
CUT TO:
EXT. BLACK MARKET - DAY
At the linen stall, Ilsa examines a tablecloth which an Arab
vendor is endeavoring to sell. He holds a sign which reads
"700 francs."
ARAB
You will not find a treasure like
this in all Morocco, Mademoiselle.
Only seven hundred francs.
Rick walks up behind Ilsa.
RICK
You're being cheated.
She looks briefly at Rick, then turns away. Her manner is
politely formal.
ILSA
It doesn't matter, thank you.
ARAB
Ah, the lady is a friend of Rick's?
For friends of Rick we have a small
discount. Did I say seven hundred
francs? You can have it for two
hundred.
Reaching under the counter, he takes out a sign reading "200
francs", and replaces the other sign with it.
RICK
I'm sorry I was in no condition to
receive you when you called on me
last night.
ILSA
It doesn't matter.
ARAB
Ah, for special friends of Rick's we
have a special discount. One hundred
francs.
He replaces the second sign with a third which reads "100
francs."
RICK
Your story had me a little confused.
Or maybe it was the bourbon.
ARAB
I have some tablecloths, some napkins --
ILSA
-- Thank you. I'm really not
interested.
ARAB
Please, one minute. Wait!
The Arab hurriedly exits.
Ilsa pretends to examine the goods on the counter.
RICK
Why did you come back? To tell me
why you ran out on me at the railway
station?
ILSA
Yes.
RICK
Well, you can tell me now. I'm
reasonably sober.
ILSA
I don't think I will, Rick.
RICK
Why not? After all, I got stuck with
a railway ticket. I think I'm entitled
to know.
ILSA
Last night I saw what has happened
to you. The Rick I knew in Paris, I
could tell him. He'd understand. But
the one who looked at me with such
hatred... well, I'll be leaving
Casablanca soon and we'll never see
each other again. We knew very little
about each other when we were in
love in Paris. If we leave it that
way, maybe we'll remember those days
and not Casablanca, not last night.
RICK
Did you run out on 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
I knew you in Paris.
She walks away into the cafe as Rick stares after her in
stunned disbelief.
CUT TO:
INT. THE BLUE PARROT - DAY
Ilsa and Laszlo sit with Ferrari.
FERRARI
I was just telling Monsieur Laszlo
that, unfortunately, I am not able
to help him.
ILSA
Oh.
LASZLO
You see, my dear, the word has gone
around.
FERRARI
(to Ilsa)
As leader of all illegal activities
in Casablanca, I am an influential
and respected man. It would not be
worth my life to do anything for
Monsieur Laszlo. You, however, are a
different matter.
LASZLO
Signor Ferrari thinks it might just
be possible to get an exit visa for
you.
ILSA
You mean for me to go on alone?
FERRARI
And only alone.
LASZLO
I will stay here and keep on trying.
I'm sure in a little while --
FERRARI
-- We might as well be frank,
Monsieur. It will take a miracle to
get you out of Casablanca. And the
Germans have outlawed miracles.
ILSA
We are only interested in two visas,
Signor.
LASZLO
Please, Ilsa, don't be hasty.
ILSA
(firmly)
No, Victor, no.
FERRARI
You two will want to discuss this.
Excuse me. I'll be at the bar.
Ferrari gets to his feet and walks away.
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. I love you very much,
Ilsa.
She smiles again.
ILSA
Your secret will be safe with me.
Ferrari is waiting for our answer.
At the bar Ferrari talks to a waiter.
FERRARI
Not more than fifty francs though.
Ilsa and Laszlo walk up to him.
LASZLO
We've decided, Signor Ferrari. For
the present we'll go on looking for
two exit visas. Thank you very much.
FERRARI
Well, good luck. But be careful.
(a flick of his eyes
in the direction of
the bazaar)
You know you're being shadowed?
Laszlo glances in the direction of the bazaar.
LASZLO
Of course. It becomes an instinct.
Ferrari looks shrewdly at Ilsa.
FERRARI
I observe that you in one respect
are a very fortunate man, Monsieur.
I am moved to make one more
suggestion, why, I do not know,
because it cannot possibly profit
me, but, have you heard about Signor
Ugarte and the letters of transit?
LASZLO
Yes, something.
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
Not for sure, Monsieur, 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.
LASZLO
Thank you very much. Good day.
ILSA
Goodbye, thank you for your coffee,
Signor. I shall miss that when we
leave Casablanca.
Ferrari bows.
FERRARI
It was gracious of you to share it
with me. Good day, Mademoiselle,
Monsieur.
LASZLO
Good day.
As Ilsa and Laszlo leave the cafe, Ferrari nonchalantly swats
a fly on a table.
CUT TO:
EXT. RICK'S CAFE - NIGHT
Outside Rick's cafe, the sign is lit up and MUSIC filters
out into the air.
CUT TO:
INT. RICK'S CAFE - MAIN ROOM - NIGHT
At the bar, the European has found another TOURIST.
EUROPEAN
Here's to you, sir.
TOURIST
Er, good luck, yes.
EUROPEAN
I'd better be going.
TOURIST
Er, my check, please.
EUROPEAN
I have to warn you, sir. I beseech
you...
The European picks his pocket.
EUROPEAN
This is a dangerous place, full of
vultures. Vultures everywhere! Thanks
for everything.
The tourist laughs.
TOURIST
Er, goodbye, sir.
EUROPEAN
It has been a pleasure to meet you.
He dashes off and collides with Carl.
EUROPEAN
Oh, I'm sorry.
As the European hurries away, Carl checks all his pockets to
make sure nothing is missing.
Sam and Corina play a number, accompanied by the orchestra.
Strasser and his crowd enter the cafe and pass Rick's table.
Carl brings Rick a bottle and glass.
CARL
Monsieur Rick, you are getting to be
your best customer.
Carl leaves.
As Rick lights a cigarette, Renault shows up.
RENAULT
Well, Ricky. I'm very pleased with
you. Now you're beginning to live
like a Frenchman.
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 that impresses Germans?
(taking a sip)
Rick, have you got these letters of
transit?
RICK
Louis, are you pro-Vichy or Free
French?
RENAULT
Serves me right for asking a direct
question. The subject is closed.
RICK
Well, it looks like you're a little
late.
RENAULT
Huh?
Rick gazes at Yvonne and a GERMAN OFFICER approaching the
bar.
RICK
So Yvonne's gone over to the enemy.
RENAULT
Who knows? In her own way she may
constitute an entire second front. I
think it's time for me to flatter
Major Strasser a little. I'll see
you later, Rick.
Renault gets up and strolls away.
At the bar, Yvonne and the German officer place their orders.
YVONNE
Sacha!
GERMAN OFFICER
French seventy-fives.
Yvonne is somewhat drunk already.
YVONNE
Put up a whole row of them, Sacha...
starting here and ending here.
She indicates with her hand where she wants them.
GERMAN OFFICER
We will begin with two.
A FRENCH OFFICER at the bar makes a remark to Yvonne.
FRENCH OFFICER
(in French)
Say, you, you are not French to go
with a German like this!
YVONNE
(in French)
What are you butting in for?
FRENCH OFFICER
(in French)
I am butting in --
YVONNE
(breaking in, in French)
-- It's none of your business!
GERMAN OFFICER
(in French)
No, no, no, no! One minute!
(in English)
What did you say? Would you kindly
repeat it?
FRENCH OFFICER
What I said is none of your business!
GERMAN OFFICER
I will make it my business!
They begin to fight.
YVONNE
(in French)
Stop! I beg of you! I beg of you,
stop!
There are exclamations from people nearby. German officers
at a nearby table rise, ready to join in. Rick walks up and
separates the two men.
RICK
(to the German)
I don't like disturbances in my place.
Either lay off politics or get out.
FRENCH OFFICER
(in French)
Dirty Boche. Someday we'll have our
revenge!
Renault, Strasser and the other officers sit down again.
STRASSER
You see, Captain, the situation is
not as much under control as you
believe.
RENAULT
My dear Major, we are trying to
cooperate with your government, but
we cannot regulate the feelings of
our people.
Strasser eyes him closely.
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
Surely 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 honeycombed
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.
Carl, bottle in hand, approaches the table of a middle-aged
German couple, the LEUCHTAGS.
CARL
(in German)
I brought you the finest brandy.
Only the employees drink it here.
He pours a drink for each of them.
MR. LEUCHTAG
Thank you, Carl.
CARL
(as he pours)
For Mrs. Leuchtag.
MRS. LEUCHTAG
Thank you, Carl.
CARL
For Mr. Leuchtag.
MR. LEUCHTAG
Carl, sit down. Have a brandy with
us.
MRS. LEUCHTAG
(beaming with happiness)
To celebrate our leaving for America
tomorrow.
Carl sits down.
CARL
Thank you very much. I thought you
would ask me, so I brought the good
brandy and a third glass.
He produces a glass from a back pocket.
MRS. LEUCHTAG
At last the day has came.
MR. LEUCHTAG
Frau Leuchtag and I are speaking
nothing but English now.
MRS. LEUCHTAG
So we should feel at home ven ve get
to America.
CARL
A very nice idea.
MR. LEUCHTAG
(raising his glass)
To America.
Mrs. Leuchtag and Carl repeat "To America." They clink glasses
and drink.
MR. LEUCHTAG
Liebchen, uh, sweetness heart, what
watch?
She glances at her wristwatch.
MRS. LEUCHTAG
Ten watch.
MR. LEUCHTAG
(surprised)
Such much?
CARL
Er, you will get along beautifully
in America, huh.
Annina meets Renault in the hallway as she leaves the Gambling
room.
RENAULT
How's lady luck treating you? Aw,
too bad. You'll find him over there.
Annina sees Rick and goes to his table.
ANNINA
Monsieur Rick?
RICK
Yes?
ANNINA
Could I speak to you for just a
moment, please?
Rick looks at her.
RICK
How did you get in here? You're under
age.
ANNINA
I came with Captain Renault.
RICK
(cynically)
I should have known.
ANNINA
My husband is with me, too.
RICK
He is? Well, Captain Renault's getting
broadminded. Sit down. Will you have
a drink?
Annina shakes her head.
RICK
No, of course not. Do you mind if I
do?
ANNINA
No.
Rick pours himself a drink.
ANNINA
Monsieur Rick, what kind of man is
Captain Renault?
RICK
Oh, he's just like any other man,
only more so.
ANNINA
No, I mean, is he trustworthy? Is
his word --
RICK
-- Now, just a minute. Who told you
to ask me that?
ANNINA
He did. Captain Renault did.
RICK
I thought so. Where's your husband?
ANNINA
At the roulette table, trying to win
enough for our exit visa. Well of
course, he's losing.
Rick looks at her closely.
RICK
How long have you been married?
ANNINA
Eight weeks. We come from Bulgaria.
Oh, things are very bad there,
Monsieur. A devil has the people by
the throat. So, Jan and I, we, we do
not want our children to grow up in
such a country.
RICK
(wearily)
So you decided to go to America.
ANNINA
Yes, but we have not much money, and
traveling is so expensive and
difficult. It was much more than we
thought to get here. And then Captain
Renault sees us and he is so kind.
He wants to help us.
RICK
Yes, I'll bet.
ANNINA
He tells me he can give us an exit
visa, but we have no money.
RICK
Does he know that?
ANNINA
Oh, yes.
RICK
And he is still willing to give you
a visa?
ANNINA
Yes, Monsieur.
RICK
And you want to know --
ANNINA
-- Will he keep his word?
RICK
He always has.
There is a silence. Annina is very disturbed.
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?
That 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 Europe, 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, everybody in Casablanca
has problems. Yours may work out.
You'll excuse me.
Rick abruptly rises.
ANNINA
(tonelessly)
Thank you, Monsieur.
He quickly goes off, leaving Annina alone at the table.
She remains seated, too demoralized to move.
While Rick checks the reservation list, Ilsa and Laszlo enter
the cafe.
In the background we hear Sam playing, ironically enough,
"It Had to Be You."
Rick greets Ilsa and Laszlo.
RICK
Good evening.
LASZLO
Good evening. You see, here we are
again.
RICK
I take that as a great compliment to
Sam.
(to Ilsa)
I suppose he means to you Paris of,
well, happier days.
Laszlo looks around.
ILSA
(quietly)
He does. Could we have a table close
to him?
LASZLO
And as far away from Major Strasser
as possible.
RICK
Well, the geography may be a little
difficult to arrange.
Rick snaps his fingers for the headwaiter.
RICK
Paul! Table thirty!
HEADWAITER
(to Ilsa and Laszlo)
Yes, sir. Right this way, if you
please.
RICK
(to Ilsa)
I'll have Sam play "As Time Goes
By." I believe that's your favorite
tune.
ILSA
(smiling)
Thank you.
Rick walks over to Sam and whispers something to him. Sam
stops what he is playing and begins "As Time Goes By."
He shakes his head as Rick leaves.
A waiter appears at Ilsa and Laszlo's table.
LASZLO
Two cognacs, please.
CUT TO:
INT. RICK'S CAFE - GAMBLING ROOM - NIGHT
Jan sits at the roulette table. He has only three chips left
and seems bewildered.
As Rick comes up the croupier speaks to Jan.
CROUPIER
Do you wish to place another bet,
sir?
JAN
No, no, I guess not.
Rick stands behind Jan.
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 the croupier exchange looks. The croupier understands
what Rick wants him to do. He spins the wheel.
Carl follows the proceedings, fascinated.
The wheel 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. It stops.
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 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!
Meanwhile, Rick has walked over to the croupier.
RICK
How we doing tonight?
CROUPIER
Well, a couple of thousand less than
I thought there would be.
Rick smiles slightly and goes toward the door.
Annina runs up to him and hugs him.
ANNINA
Monsieur Rick, I --
RICK
-- He's just a lucky guy.
CARL
(solicitously)
Monsieur Rick, may I get you a cup
of coffee?
RICK
No thanks, Carl.
CARL
Monsieur Rick!
Renault, seeing that Jan has won, gets up from his table to
follow Rick. Jan and Annina stop him on the way.
JAN
Captain Renault, may I --
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 both of you. Still, it's very
strange that you won.
He looks over and sees Rick.
RENAULT
Well, maybe not so strange. I'll see
you in the morning.
ANNINA
Thank you so much, Captain Renault.
CUT TO:
INT. RICK'S CAFE - MAIN ROOM - NIGHT
At the bar, Carl whispers in Sacha's ear. Sacha says "No!"
and runs to Rick.
SACHA
Boss, you've done a beautiful thing.
He kisses Rick on both cheeks.
RICK
Go away, you crazy Russian!
Carl pours a brandy for Rick.
Pretending not to do so, Rick glances in Ilsa's direction.
Renault comes up to him.
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
breathtaking blonde, and it will
make me very happy if she loses. Uh
huh!
He smiles and walks away. Laszlo comes up to Rick.
LASZLO
Monsieur Blaine, I wonder if I could
talk to you?
RICK
Go ahead.
LASZLO
Well, isn't there some other place?
It's rather confidential, what I
have to say.
RICK
My office.
LASZLO
Right.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. RICK'S CAFE - OFFICE - NIGHT
Rick and Laszlo sit and discuss Laszlo's dilemma.
LASZLO
You must know it's very important I
get out of Casablanca. It's my
privilege to be one of the leaders
of a great movement. You know what I
have been doing. You know what it
means to the work, to the lives of
thousands and thousands of people
that I be free to reach America and
continue my work.
RICK
I'm not interested in politics. The
problems of the world are not in my
department. I'm a saloon keeper.
LASZLO
My friends in the underground tell
me that you have quite a record. You
ran guns to Ethiopia. You fought
against the fascists in Spain.
RICK
What of it?
LASZLO
Isn't it strange that you always
happened to be fighting on the side
of the underdog?
RICK
Yes. I found that a very expensive
hobby, too. But then I never was
much of a businessman.
Rick gets up, as does Laszlo.
LASZLO
Are you enough of a businessman to
appreciate an offer of a hundred
thousand francs?
RICK
I appreciate it, but I don't accept
it.
LASZLO
I'll raise it to two hundred thousand.
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.
LASZLO
I beg your pardon?
RICK
I said, ask your wife.
LASZLO
My wife?
Laszlo looks at him, puzzled.
RICK
Yes.
Rick and Laszlo hear MALE VOICES singing downstairs.
CUT TO:
INT. RICK'S CAFE - MAIN ROOM - NIGHT
A group of German officers stand around the piano singing
the "Wacht am Rhein."
CUT TO:
INT. RICK'S CAFE - BALCONY - NIGHT
Rick stands at the balcony outside his office and watches
the Germans below.
CUT TO:
INT. RICK'S CAFE - MAIN ROOM - NIGHT
At the bar, Renault watches with raised eyebrow.
CUT TO:
INT. RICK'S CAFE - BALCONY - NIGHT
Laszlo's lips are very tight as he listens to the song.
He starts down the step.
CUT TO:
INT. RICK'S CAFE - MAIN ROOM - NIGHT
Laszlo passes the table where Ilsa sits and goes straight to
the orchestra.
Yvonne, sitting at a table with her German officer, stares
down into her drink.
Laszlo speaks to the orchestra.
LASZLO
Play the Marseillaise! Play it!
Members of the orchestra glance toward the steps, toward
Rick, who nods to them.
Laszlo and Corina sing as they start to play. Strasser
conducts the German singing in an attempt to drown out the
competition.
People in the cafe begin to sing the "Marseillaise."
After a while, Strasser and his officers give up and sit
down. The "Marseillaise" continues, however.
Yvonne jumps up and sings with tears in her eyes.
Ilsa, overcome with emotion, looks proudly at Laszlo, who
sings with passion.
Finally the whole cafe stands, singing, their faces aglow.
The song finishes on a high, triumphant note.
Yvonne's face is exalted. She deliberately faces the alcove
where the Germans are watching. She SHOUTS at the top of her
lungs.
YVONNE
Vive La France! Vive la democracie!
CROWD
Vive La France! Vive la democracie!
People clap and cheer.
Strasser is very angry. He strides across the floor toward
Renault who is standing at the bar.
STRASSER
You see what I mean? If Laszlo's
presence in a cafe can inspire this
unfortunate demonstration, what more
will his presence in Casablanca bring
on? I advise that this place be shut
up at once.
RENAULT
(innocently)
But everybody's having such a good
time.
STRASSER
Yes, much too good a time. The place
is to be closed.
RENAULT
But I have no excuse to close it.
STRASSER
(snapping)
Find one.
Several French officers surround Laszlo, offering him a drink.
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.
He turns to the crowd again.
RENAULT
Everybody out at once!
As the cafe empties, Strasser approaches Ilsa. His manner is
abrupt but cordial.
STRASSER
Mademoiselle, after this disturbance
it is not safe for Laszlo to stay in
Casablanca.
ILSA
This morning you implied it was not
safe for him to leave Casablanca.
STRASSER
That is also true, except for one
destination, to return to occupied
France.
ILSA
Occupied France?
STRASSER
Uh huh. Under a safe conduct from
me.
ILSA
(with intensity)
What value is that? You may recall
what German guarantees have been
worth in the past.
STRASSER
There are only two other alternatives
for him.
ILSA
What are they?
STRASSER
It is possible the French authorities
will find a reason to put him in the
concentration camp here.
ILSA
And the other alternative?
STRASSER
My dear Mademoiselle, perhaps you
have already observed that in
Casablanca, human life is cheap.
Good night, Mademoiselle.
She looks at him, understanding what he means.
He bows and exits as Laszlo arrives at the table.
They start out of the cafe.
ILSA
What happened with Rick?
LASZLO
We'll discuss it later.
CUT TO:
INT. HOTEL HALLWAY - NIGHT
Ilsa and Laszlo walk to their room.
CUT TO:
INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Laszlo switches on the light as they enter. While Ilsa takes
off some jewelry he walks to the window and peers out into
the darkness. Below and across the street, a man stands under
an arch. Laszlo watches him, then draws down the shade.
LASZLO
Our faithful friend is still there.
ILSA
Victor, please, don't go to the
underground meeting tonight.
LASZLO
(soberly)
I must. Besides, it isn't often that
a man has a chance to display heroics
before his wife.
He crosses to a table, takes a cigarette from a box, and
strikes a match.
ILSA
Don't joke. After Major Strasser's
warning tonight, I am frightened.
LASZLO
To tell you the truth, I am frightened
too. Shall I remain here in our hotel
room hiding, or shall I carry on the
best I can?
He lights the cigarette.
ILSA
Whatever I'd say, you'd carry on.
Victor, why don't you tell me about
Rick? What did you find out?
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 any 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.
Ilsa finally turns to look at Laszlo.
ILSA
Yes, Yes I know. Victor, whatever I
do, will you believe that I, that --
LASZLO
-- You don't even have to say it.
I'll believe. Goodnight, dear.
He bends down and kisses her cheek.
ILSA
Goodnight.
She watches him go.
ILSA
Victor!
She gets up and follows him to the door. He opens it. In the
slit of light from the hall we see Ilsa's face, now strained
and worried. She hesitates for a moment, then...
ILSA
Be careful.
LASZLO
Of course, I'll be careful.
He kisses her on the cheek and goes out the door. She stands
there for a few seconds, then crosses to look out of the
window.
The figure in the archway is gone. She sees Victor walking
down the street and closes the blind again. Ilsa gets a cloak
from the bedroom, and leaves the hotel room.
CUT TO:
INT. RICK'S CAFE - MAIN ROOM - NIGHT
Rick and Carl sit by the bar and look over ledgers. Carl is
busy figuring. He looks up at Rick.
CARL
Well, you are in pretty good shape,
Herr Rick.
RICK
How long can I afford to stay closed?
CARL
Oh, two weeks, maybe three.
RICK
Maybe I won't have to. A bribe has
worked before. In the meantime,
everybody stays on salary.
CARL
Oh, thank you, Herr Rick. Sacha will
be happy to hear it. I owe him money.
Carl laughs.
RICK
Now you finish locking up, will you,
Carl?
CARL
I will. Then I am going to the meeting
of the --
RICK
(interrupting)
-- Don't tell me where you're going.
CARL
I won't.
RICK
Goodnight.
CARL
Goodnight, Monsieur Rick.
Rick walks up the stairs to his apartment.
CUT TO:
INT. RICK'S CAFE - APARTMENT - NIGHT
Rick opens the door and goes inside the dark room. Light
from the hall reveals a figure by the window. He lights a
small lamp. Ilsa faces him, her face white but determined.
Rick pauses for a moment in astonishment.
RICK
How did you get in?
ILSA
The stairs from the street.
Ilsa comes over to meet him.
RICK
I told you this morning you'd come
around, but this is a little ahead
of schedule. Well, won't you sit
down?
ILSA
Richard, I had to see you.
RICK
You use "Richard" again? We're back
in Paris.
ILSA
Please.
RICK
Your unexpected visit isn't connected
by any chance with the letters of
transit? It seems that as long as I
have those letters I'll never be
lonely.
ILSA
You can ask any price you want, but
you must give me those letters.
RICK
I went through all that with your
husband. It's no deal.
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.
He walks over to the window and Ilsa follows.
ILSA
Richard, Richard, we loved each other
once. If those days meant anything
at all to you --
RICK
(interrupting, harshly)
-- I wouldn't bring up Paris if I
were you. It's poor salesmanship.
ILSA
Please. Please listen to me. If you
knew what really happened, if you
only knew the truth --
RICK
(cutting in)
-- I wouldn't believe you, no matter
what you told me. You'd say anything
now to get what you want.
Rick walks over to a table and opens a cigarette box, but
finds it empty.
ILSA
You want to feel sorry for yourself,
don't you? With so much at stake,
all you can think of is your own
feelings. One woman has hurt you,
and you take revenge on the rest of
the world. You're a, you're a coward,
and a weakling.
There are tears in her eyes now.
ILSA
No. Oh, Richard, I'm sorry. I'm sorry,
but, but you, you are our last hope.
If you don't help us, Victor Laszlo
will die in Casablanca.
RICK
What of it? I'm going to die in
Casablanca. It's a good spot for it.
He turns away to light a cigarette, then back to Ilsa.
RICK
Now if you --
He stops short as he sees Ilsa holding a small revolver in
her hand. It's pointed directly at him.
ILSA
-- All right. I tried to reason with
you. I tried everything. Now I want
those letters. Get them for me.
RICK
I don't have to. I've got them right
here.
ILSA
Put them on the table.
RICK
(shaking his head)
No.
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 down, and there are tears in her eyes again.
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.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. RICK'S CAFE - APARTMENT - LATER
From his window, Rick watches the revolving beacon light at
the airport.
Ilsa sits on the couch. On a table before her rests a bottle
of champagne along with two half-filled glasses.
Rick walks over to her.
RICK
And then?
ILSA
It wasn't long after we were married
that Victor went back to
Czechoslovakia. They needed him in
Prague, but there the Gestapo were
waiting for him. Just a two-line
item in the paper: "Victor Laszlo
apprehended. Sent to concentration
camp." I was frantic. For months I
tried to get word. Then it came. He
was dead, shot trying to escape. I
was lonely. I had nothing. Not even
hope. Then I met you.
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, I didn't care. I knew, I knew
you wouldn't have left Paris, and
the Gestapo would have caught you.
So I... well, well, you know the
rest.
RICK
Huh. But it's still a story without
an ending. What about now?
ILSA
Now? I don't know. I know that I'll
never have the strength to leave you
again.
RICK
And Laszlo?
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.
ILSA
I wish I didn't love you so much.
She snuggles closer to Rick.
CUT TO:
EXT. RICK'S CAFE - NIGHT
Laszlo and Carl make their way through the darkness toward a
side entrance of Rick's. They run inside the entryway.
The headlights of a speeding police car sweep toward them.
They flatten themselves against a wall to avoid detection.
The lights move past them.
CARL
I think we lost them.
LASZLO
Yes. I'm afraid they caught some of
the others.
CARL
Come inside. Come.
CUT TO:
INT. RICK'S CAFE - MAIN ROOM - NIGHT
Laszlo and Carl enter and cross toward the bar, out of breath
from their exertion.
CARL
Come inside. I will help you. Come
in here.
LASZLO
Thank you.
Carl goes behind the bar.
CARL
I will give you some water.
CUT TO:
INT./EXT. RICK'S CAFE - APARTMENT - NIGHT
Rick and Ilsa hear voices below. Rick crosses to the door.
He opens it just enough to see below, and turns off the light.
Ilsa stands just in back of him. She makes a move as if to
go out to the balcony but Rick's pushes her back. She
withdraws behind the door.
Rick walks out to the balcony railing.
INT. RICK'S CAFE - BALCONY/MAIN ROOM - NIGHT
Rick sees Carl attending to Laszlo, who appears to be injured.
RICK
Carl, what happened?
Both Carl and Laszlo look up.
CARL
(excitedly)
The police break up our meeting.
Herr Rick! We escaped in the last
moment.
RICK
Come up here a minute.
Carl looks up wonderingly, then starts toward the stairway.
CARL
Yes, I come.
RICK
I want you to turn out the light in
the rear entrance. It might attract
the police.
CARL
But Sacha always puts out that light --
RICK
-- Tonight he forgot.
CARL
Yes, I come, I will do it.
Carl climbs the stairs.
CUT TO:
INT. RICK'S CAFE - APARTMENT - NIGHT
Carl enters Rick's apartment and sees Ilsa. He looks at Rick
and says nothing.
RICK
(in a low voice)
I want you to take Miss Lund home.
CARL
Yes, sir.
CUT TO:
INT. RICK'S CAFE - MAIN ROOM - NIGHT
Rick comes down the stairs. Laszlo wraps one of the small
bar towels around his cut wrist. Rick looks questioningly at
the injured hand.
LASZLO
It's nothing. Just a little cut. We
had to get through a window.
Rick walks to the bar, picks up a bottle, and pours a drink.
RICK
Well, this might come in handy.
LASZLO
Thank you.
RICK
Had a close one, eh?
LASZLO
Yes, rather.
Laszlo takes a drink.
RICK
Don't you sometimes wonder if it's
worth all this? I mean what you're
fighting for?
LASZLO
We might as well question why we
breathe. If we stop breathing, we'll
die. If we stop fighting our enemies,
the world will die.
RICK
What of it? Then it'll be out of
it's misery.
Rick reaches in his jacket for his cigarette case, opens it,
and takes out a cigarette.
LASZLO
You know how you sound, Monsieur
Blaine? Like a man who's trying to
convince himself of something he
doesn't believe in his heart. Each
of us has a destiny, for good or for
evil.
RICK
Yes, I get the point.
Rick lights his cigarette.
LASZLO
I wonder if you do. I wonder if you
know that you're trying to escape
from yourself and that you'll never
succeed.
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, 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?
LASZLO
Apparently you think of me only as
the leader of a cause. Well, I am
also a human being.
He looks away for a moment.
LASZLO
Yes, I love her that much.
Suddenly there is a CRASH at the door of the cafe, followed
by the forced entry of several gendarmes. A French officer
walks in and addresses Laszlo.
FRENCH OFFICER
Mr. Laszlo?
LASZLO
Yes?
FRENCH OFFICER
You will come with us. We have a
warrant for your arrest.
LASZLO
On what charge?
FRENCH OFFICER
Captain Renault will discuss that
with you later.
RICK
It seems that destiny has taken a
hand.
Laszlo looks for a moment at Rick, then in dignified silence
crosses to the officer. Together they walk toward the door.
Rick's eyes follow them, but his expression reveals nothing
of his feelings.
CUT TO:
INT. RENAULT'S OFFICE - MORNING
Renault sits at his desk and smokes while Rick nervously
fingers his hat. They're interrupted by an orderly.
Renault hands some forms to the orderly, who then exits, and
the conversation continues.
RICK
But you haven't any actual proof,
and you know it. This isn't Germany
or occupied France. All you can do
is fine him a few thousand francs
and give him thirty days. You might
as well let him go now.
RENAULT
Ricky, I'd advise you not to be too
interested in what happens to Laszlo.
If by any chance you were 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
bother to 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.
RICK
You're not very subtle, but you are
effective. I, I get the point. Yes,
I have the letters, but I intend
using them myself. I'm leaving
Casablanca on tonight's plane, the
last plane.
RENAULT
Huh?
RICK
And I'm taking a friend with me. One
you'll appreciate.
RENAULT
What friend?
RICK
Ilsa Lund.
(pause)
That ought to put your mind to rest
about my helping Laszlo escape. The
last man I want to see in America.
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.
Renault retrieves a fresh cigarette from a box on his desk.
RENAULT
What makes you think we want to hold
you?
Renault chain-lights his new cigarette with the old one.
RICK
Ilsa is Laszlo's wife. She probably
knows things that Strasser would
like to know. Louis, I'll make a
deal with you. Instead of this petty
charge you have against him, you can
get something really big, 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. To the Germans that last will
be just a minor annoyance.
RENAULT
(puzzled)
There's still something about this
business I don't quite understand.
Miss Lund, she's very beautiful,
yes, but you were never interested
in any woman.
RICK
Well, she isn't just any woman.
Rick stares at the floor, then looks back up at Renault.
RENAULT
I see. How do I know you'll keep
your end of the bargain?
RICK
I'll make the arrangements right now
with Laszlo in the visitor's pen.
RENAULT
Ricky, I'm going to miss you.
Apparently you're the only one in
Casablanca who has even less scruples
than I.
RICK
Oh, thanks.
RENAULT
Go ahead, Ricky.
Renault presses a button on his desk, triggering a BUZZER.
The door to Renault's office opens. Rick rises to go.
RICK
And by the way, call off your
watchdogs when you let him go. I
don't want them around this afternoon.
I'm taking no chances, Louis, not
even with you.
CUT TO:
INT. THE BLUE PARROT - DAY
A waiter brings tea to Rick and Ferrari, who sit alone at a
table in a secluded nook off the main room.
FERRARI
Shall we draw up the papers, or is
our handshake good enough?
RICK
It's certainly not good enough. But
since I'm in a hurry, it'll have to
do.
Ferrari pours a cup for Rick, who takes a sip.
FERRARI
Ah, to get out of Casablanca and go
to America! You're a lucky man.
RICK
Oh, by the way, my agreement with
Sam's 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.
RICK
And Abdul and Carl and Sacha, they
stay with the place, or I don't sell.
FERRARI
Of course they stay. Rick's wouldn't
be Rick's without them.
RICK
Well, so long.
Rick gets up, followed by Ferrari. They shake hands to seal
the deal.
He walks to the door, then stops and turns around.
RICK
Don't forget, you owe Rick's a hundred
cartons of American cigarettes.
FERRARI
I shall remember to pay it... to
myself.
Rick leaves. Ferrari picks up a fly swatter from the table
and swats at a fly.
CUT TO:
EXT. RICK'S CAFE - NIGHT
A car pulls quickly to a stop just outside the cafe.
On the door a huge placard reads:
CLOSED
By Order of the Prefect of Police.
CUT TO:
INT. RICK'S CAFE - MAIN ROOM - NIGHT
Rick sits at a table inside and reads the letters of transit.
He hears a KNOCK on the door and puts them away in his pocket.
He opens the door and Renault walks in.
RICK
You're late.
RENAULT
I was informed just as Laszlo was
about to leave the hotel, so I knew
I'd be on time.
RICK
I thought I asked you to tie up your
watchdogs.
RENAULT
Oh, he won't be followed here.
Renault looks around the empty cafe.
RENAULT
You know, this place will never be
the same without you, Ricky.
RICK
Yes, I know what you mean, but I've
already spoken to Ferrari. You'll
still win at roulette.
RENAULT
Is everything ready?
Rick points at his breast pocket.
RICK
I have the letters right here.
RENAULT
Tell me, when we searched the place,
where were they?
RICK
Sam's piano.
RENAULT
Serves me right for not being musical.
They hear the CRUNCH of tires as a car pull up.
RICK
Oh. Here they are. You'd better wait
in my office.
Renault walks up the stairs to Rick's office.
CUT TO:
EXT. RICK'S CAFE - NIGHT
Laszlo pays the cab driver. Ilsa quickly walks toward the
entrance.
LASZLO
(to driver)
Here.
CUT TO:
INT. RICK'S CAFE - MAIN ROOM - NIGHT
Rick opens the door. Ilsa rushes in. Her intensity reveals
the strain she is under. Rick grabs her by both arms and
pulls her close.
ILSA
Richard, Victor thinks I'm leaving
with him. Haven't you told him?
RICK
No, not yet.
ILSA
But it's all right, isn't it? You
were able to arrange everything?
RICK
Everything is quite all right.
ILSA
Oh, Rick!
She looks at him with a vaguely questioning look.
RICK
We'll tell him at the airport. The
less time to think, the easier for
all of us. Please trust me.
Ilsa pauses and looks at Rick, unsure for a moment.
ILSA
Yes, I will.
Laszlo comes in and closes the door behind himself.
LASZLO
Monsieur Blaine, I don't know how to
thank you.
RICK
Oh, save it. We've still lots of
things to do.
They all walk towards the bar. Laszlo deposits his hat on a
a nearby table.
CUT TO:
INT. RICK'S CAFE - OFFICE - NIGHT
Renault opens the office door and peers down at the
proceedings.
CUT TO:
INT. RICK'S CAFE - MAIN ROOM - NIGHT
LASZLO
I brought the money, Monsieur Blaine.
RICK
Keep it. You'll need it in America.
LASZLO
But we made a deal.
RICK
(cutting him short)
Oh, never mind about that. You won't
have any trouble in Lisbon, will
you?
LASZLO
No. It's all arranged.
RICK
Good. I've got the letters right
here, all made out in blank.
He takes out the letters.
RICK
All you have to do is fill in the
signatures.
He hands them to Laszlo, who takes them gratefully.
RENAULT
Victor Laszlo!
All three hear footsteps and turn to see Renault walking
towards them from the bottom of the stairs.
RENAULT
Victor Laszlo, you are under arrest...
(as he walks toward
them)
on a charge of accessory to the murder
of the couriers from whom these
letters were stolen.
Ilsa and Laszlo are both caught completely off guard. They
turn towards Rick, bewildered. Horror is in Ilsa's eyes.
Renault takes the letters.
RENAULT
Oh, you are surprised about my friend
Ricky?
Obviously the situation delights Renault. He smiles as he
turns toward Rick.
RENAULT
The explanation is quite simple.
Love, it seems, has triumphed over
virtue. Thank --
Suddenly the smile fades. In Rick's hand is a gun, which he
levels at Renault.
RICK
-- Not so fast, Louis. Nobody's going
to be arrested. Not for a while yet.
RENAULT
Have you taken leave of your senses?
RICK
I have. Sit down over there.
RENAULT
Put that gun down.
Renault then walks toward Rick. Rick puts out his arm to
stop him.
RICK
Louis, I wouldn't like to shoot you,
but I will, if you take one more
step.
Renault halts for a moment and studies Rick.
RENAULT
Under the circumstances, I will sit
down.
He walks to a table and sits.
RICK
(sharply)
Keep your hands on the table.
He takes out a cigarette case.
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.
As Renault picks up the phone and dials, Rick takes back the
letters.
RENAULT
(into phone)
Hello, is this the airport? This is
Captain Renault speaking. There'll
be two letters of transit for the
Lisbon plane. There's to be no trouble
about them. Good.
CUT TO:
INT. GERMAN CONSULATE - NIGHT
Strasser is on the phone.
STRASSER
Hello? Hello?
He hangs up the receiver and presses a BUZZER on his desk.
An officer quickly enters.
STRASSER
(to officer)
My car, quickly!
OFFICER
(saluting)
Zu Befehl, Herr Major.
The officer exits and Strasser resumes on the telephone.
STRASSER
This is Major Strasser. Have a squad
of police meet me at the airport at
once. At once! Do you hear?
He hangs up the receiver and, grabbing for his cap, hurriedly
exits.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. AIRPORT - NIGHT
The entire airport is surrounded by a heavy fog. The outline
of the transport plane is barely visible.
CUT TO:
INT./EXT. AIRPORT HANGAR - NIGHT
A uniformed ORDERLY uses a telephone near the hangar door.
On the airfield a transport plane is being readied.
ORDERLY
Hello. Hello, radio tower? Lisbon
plane taking off in ten minutes.
East runway. Visibility: one and one
half miles. Light ground fog. Depth
of fog: approximately 500. Ceiling:
unlimited. Thank you.
He hangs up and moves to a car that has just pulled up outside
the hangar.
Renault gets out while the orderly stands at attention.
He's closely followed by Rick, right hand in the pocket of
his trench coat, covering Renault with a gun.
Laszlo and Ilsa emerge from the rear of the car.
RICK
(indicating the orderly)
Louis, have your man go with Mr.
Laszlo and take care of his luggage.
RENAULT
(bowing ironically)
Certainly Rick, anything you say.
(to orderly)
Find Mr. Laszlo's luggage and put it
it on the plane.
ORDERLY
Yes, sir. This way please.
The orderly escorts Laszlo off in the direction of the plane.
Rick takes the letters of transit out of his pocket and hands
them to Renault, who turns and walks toward the hangar.
RICK
If you don't mind, you fill in the
names. That will make it even more
official.
RENAULT
You think of everything, don't you?
RICK
(quietly)
And the names are Mr. and Mrs. Victor
Laszlo.
Renault stops dead in his tracks, and turns around. Both
Ilsa and Renault look at Rick with astonishment.
ILSA
But why my name, Richard?
RICK
Because you're getting on that plane.
ILSA
(confused)
I don't understand. What about you?
RICK
I'm staying here with him 'til the
plane gets safely away.
Rick's intention suddenly dawns on Ilsa.
ILSA
No, Richard, no. What has happened
to you? Last night we said --
RICK
-- Last night we said a great many
things. You said I was to do the
thinking for both of 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.
CUT TO:
EXT. ROAD - NIGHT
Major Strasser drives at break-neck speed towards the airport.
He HONKS his horn furiously.
CUT TO:
INT./EXT. AIRPORT HANGAR - NIGHT
Laszlo returns. Rick walks into the hangar and Renault hands
him the letters. He walks back out to Laszlo.
LASZLO
Everything in order?
RICK
All except one thing. There's
something you should know before you
leave.
LASZLO
(sensing what is coming)
Monsieur Blaine, I don't ask you to
explain anything.
RICK
I'm going to anyway, because it may
make a difference to you later on.
You said you knew about Ilsa and me.
LASZLO
Yes.
RICK
But you didn't know she was at my
place last night when you were. She
came there for the letters of transit.
Isn't that true, Ilsa?
ILSA
(facing Laszlo)
Yes.
RICK
(forcefully)
She tried everything to get them,
and nothing worked. She did her best
to convince me that she was still in
love with me, but that was all over
long ago. For your sake, she pretended
it wasn't, and I let her pretend.
LASZLO
I understand.
RICK
Here it is.
Rick hands the letters to Laszlo.
LASZLO
Thanks. I appreciate it.
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.
On the airfield the airplane engine TURNS OVER and the
propellers start turning. They all turn to see the plane
readying for take-off.
Ilsa looks at Rick and he returns her stare with a blank
expression. He then glances at Laszlo, as does Ilsa.
Then Laszlo breaks the silence.
LASZLO
Are you ready Ilsa?
ILSA
Yes, I'm ready.
(to Rick)
Goodbye, Rick. God bless you.
RICK
You better hurry, or you'll miss
that plane.
Rick watches as Ilsa and Laszlo walk very deliberately towards
the plane.
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.
The door to the plane is closed by an attendant and it slowly
taxies down the field.
Suddenly a speeding car comes to a stop outside the hangar.
Strasser alights from the car and runs toward Renault.
STRASSER
What is the meaning of that phone
call?
RENAULT
Victor Laszlo is on that plane.
Renault nods toward the field. Strasser turns to see the
plane taxiing towards the runway.
STRASSER
Why do you stand here? Why don't you
stop him?
RENAULT
Ask Monsieur Rick.
Strasser looks briefly at Rick, then makes a step towards
the telephone just inside the hangar door.
RICK
Get away from that phone.
Strasser stops in his tracks, looks at Rick, and sees that
he is armed.
STRASSER
(steely)
I would advise you not to interfere.
RICK
I was willing to shoot Captain
Renault, and I'm willing to shoot
you.
Strasser watches the plane in agony. His eyes dart towards
the telephone. He runs toward it and desperately grabs the
receiver.
STRASSER
Hello?
RICK
Put that phone down!
STRASSER
Get me the Radio Tower!
RICK
Put it down!
Strasser, one hand holding the receiver, pulls out a pistol
with the other hand, and SHOOTS quickly at Rick. The bullet
misses its mark.
Rick now SHOOTS at Strasser, who crumples to the ground.
At the sound of an approaching car both men turn. A police
car SPEEDS in and comes to a stop near Renault. Four gendarmes
hurriedly jump out.
In the distance the plane turns onto the runway.
The gendarmes run to Renault. The first one hurriedly salutes
him.
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.
GENDARME
Oui, mon Capitaine.
The gendarmes take Strasser's body away and then drive off.
Renault walks inside the hangar, picks up a bottle of Vichy
water, and opens it.
RENAULT
Well, Rick, you're not only a
sentimentalist, but you've become a
patriot.
RICK
Maybe, but it seemed like a good
time to start.
RENAULT
I think perhaps you're right.
As he pours the water into a glass, Renault sees the Vichy
label and quickly DROPS the bottle into a trash basket which
he then KICKS over.
He walks over and stands beside Rick. They both watch the
plane take off, maintaining their gaze until it disappears
into the clouds.
Rick and Louis slowly walk away from the hangar toward the
runway.
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.
FADE OUT:
THE END