It’s an interesting film because it has become so revered, almost plucked singularly out of all the films of the period. It is held up as a romance, and while of course there’s that strong romantic element, it’s also dark, complex and political – and that side of it is often forgotten.

My favourite moment is perhaps when Rick has stayed up late after his bar has shut, and Sam insists on keeping him company. It’s the first time you see the cracks in his hardboiled persona as he slams the table and you see his eyes glint in the light. It’s also indeed the first time in Bogart’s career that his sensitive side comes through, building upon the sympathetic portrayal of a wisened old gangster in High Sierra.

I have seen it on the big screen a long time ago but am still waiting to watch it on Blu-Ray, which should be pretty special.

I saw Casablanca tonight. You’ll be surprised, and I hope not too dismayed, to hear that it’s the first time I’ve seen the film in about 10 years- at least. So most of it was pretty new to me, since I didn’t understand the politics back then..

What a great film, truly incredible.. And I watched it on an old crackly videotape- on Blu-Ray it would be lovely!