Let me start by saying this is my absolute favorite movie of all time. And it’s not because I share the same initials as the leading man. There are movies with better acting, better directing, better production values. There are movies with deeper meaning, have a philosophical or sociological bent that makes them intriguing. There is all of that. This movie stands head and shoulders above them for the pure emotional connection.

I’m not here to recap the plot as I’m sure most of you are aware of it. I will describe how the characters mean more to me than simple caricatures.

We’ll start with Humphrey Bogart. The first image is not of him but of his hands playing chess. Symbolism to say the very least for the complexities soon to be thrust upon him. However, it softens him from a mere tough guy with a hard shell and presents a certain intellectualism. There are many smart people who don’t feel comfortable showing off, especially when there are others more powerful in their midst.

His sarcasm and patter are a defense against anyone getting too close. That creates a romantic/heroic aura about him. Until the very end, he does nothing heroic. He is simply trying to survive in a crazy world. He is a devoted friend but still maintains a discreet distance.

Ingrid Bergman is nothing short of stunning in this and yet she is not a mere beauty to add vibrancy to the screen. She fell in love with Victor Laszlo’s ideals and what he stood for. She comes across as another intellectual with high ideals. She was momentarily prepared to shoot a former lover to get what she wanted. She was willing to try anything.

Love, in real life, is complex and really nothing like it is in the movies. This film identifies a conflicted love, one that must be superseded by higher principles and greater ideals for the safety and security of the world. Their problems, as Bogart describes, don’t amount to a hill of beans.

There remain several supporting players who represent the rest of the world in the midst of war. Whether they are realistic or even well-acted is irrelevant. They help to move the story along until it comes down to Rick and Ilse. Sure, it was made during WWII and there is a propagandistic sense to it and a good deal of the humor is corny and…. Well, it’s easy to pull the movie apart especially when you compare it to anything contemporary. We know film-making standards have increased exponentially. But there is a basic fundamental humanity to this story that results in nothing short of nobility.

Victor Laszlo is the ultimate winner. He “gets the girl” and is able to continue the fight on his own terms. Ilse sacrifices true love for a partnership in trying to make the world a better place. And Rick, well, this adventure has shaken him out of his doldrums and made him realize his skills would be better put to use elsewhere. Unfortunately, it would have to be far away from the woman he loves and knows he can never have.

I’m certain there will be enough comments against this piece. As a writer, I still set my mark on this movie for its overall impact upon me from an early age until today. When something sticks with you that long, you owe it something.

Here’s looking at you!