Music, too, serves as a recurring motif. “As Time Goes By” symbolizes the persistence of love despite time and circumstance, while the “La Marseillaise” scene—in which Laszlo leads the patrons of Rick’s Café in drowning out the Germans’ rendition of “Die Wacht am Rhein”—embodies the triumph of moral courage over oppression. The scene remains one of the most powerful expressions of defiance ever captured on film.
Performances and Characterization
Humphrey Bogart’s portrayal of Rick Blaine represents a turning point in his career. Previously known for playing gangsters and tough antiheroes, Bogart brought a new depth of emotion and complexity to the role. His performance balances toughness with vulnerability, cynicism with integrity. Through subtle gestures and understated dialogue, he conveys a man haunted by lost love and driven by an unspoken sense of duty. Bogart’s portrayal redefined the archetype of the romantic hero in American cinema, influencing generations of actors.
Ingrid Bergman’s Ilsa Lund exudes both strength and tenderness. Her performance captures the emotional conflict of a woman torn between love and loyalty, rendered with quiet dignity and grace. Bergman’s luminous presence elevates Ilsa beyond the role of a romantic interest, turning her into a moral counterpart to Rick. Together, Bogart and Bergman create one of the most enduring on-screen pairings in film history.
