Quotes

Dialogue

Carl: Madame, he never drinks with customers. Never. I have never seen it. Female companion: What makes a saloonkeeper so snobbish? Gentleman: Perhaps if you told him I ran the second largest banking house in Amsterdam. Carl: The second largest? That wouldn't interest Rick - the leading banker in Amsterdam is now the pastry chef in our kitchen -- Gentleman: We have something to look forward to. Carl: -- and his father is the bellboy!

Dialogue

Ugarte: Too bad about those two German couriers, wasn't it? Rick: 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 forgive me for saying so. Rick: I forgive you. Ugarte: You despise me, don't you? Rick: 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. Well 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 can't 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'm leaving finally, this Casablanca. Ugarte: You know, Rick, I have many a friend in Casablanca, but somehow,

Dialogue

Rick: [about his club] 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: Too bad. That's Casablanca's leading commodity. In refugees alone, we could make a fortune, if you 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?

Dialogue

Yvonne: Where were you last night? Rick: That's so long ago, I don't remember. Yvonne: Will I see you tonight? Rick: I never make plans that far ahead.

Dialogue

Renault: Hello, Rick. Rick: Hello, Louis. Renault: How extravagant you are, throwing away women like that. Someday they may be scarce. You know, now I think I shall pay a call on Yvonne. Maybe get her on the rebound. Hmm? Rick: When it comes to women, you're a true democrat.

Dialogue

Renault: I've 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 that you killed a man. It's the romantic in me. Rick: It's 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: The waters? What waters? We're in the desert. Rick: I was misinformed.

Dialogue

Renault: Rick, there are many exit visas sold in this café, but we know that you've never sold one. That is the reason we permit you to remain open. Rick: Oh? I thought it was because I let you win at roulette. Renault: That is another reason.

Dialogue

Rick: Louie, 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. [off Rick's reaction] 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 Loyalists' side. Rick: And got well paid for it on both occasions. Renault: The winning side would have paid you much better. Rick: Maybe.

Dialogue

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, he would take it anyway.

Dialogue

Strasser: What is your nationality? Rick: I'm a drunkard. Renault: And 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 that you came here from Paris at the time of the occupation. Rick: Well, 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. Heinz: Can you imagine us in London? Rick: When you get there, ask me! Renault: Hmmh! 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: Uh, huh. 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.

Dialogue

Rick: 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's very clever. Three times he slipped through our fingers. In Paris, he continued his activities. We intend not to let it happen again. Rick: Excuse me, gentlemen. Your business is politics. Mine is running a saloon.

Dialogue

Ilsa: Where is Rick? Sam: I don't know. I ain't seen him all night. Ilsa: When will he be back? Sam: Not tonight no more. He ain't comin'...He went home. Ilsa: Does he always leave so early? Sam: Oh, he never... well, 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 times' sake. Sam: I don't know what you mean, Miss Ilsa. Ilsa: [whispers] Play it, Sam. Play As Time Goes By. Sam: Why, I can't remember it, Miss Ilsa. I'm a little rusty on it. Ilsa: I'll hum it for you. [hums two bars. Sam starts to play] Sing it, Sam. Sam: [singing] You must remember this<br>A kiss is just a kiss<br> A sigh is just a sigh<br>The fundamental things apply<br>As time goes by.<br>And when two lovers woo<br>They still say, 'I love you'<br>On that you can rely<br>No matter what the future brings<br>As Time Goes By.

Dialogue

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.

Dialogue

Renault: I can't get over you two. She was asking about you earlier, Rick, in a way that made me extremely jealous. Ilsa: I wasn't sure you were the same. Let's see, the last time we met was... Rick: 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.

Dialogue

Rick: Why did you have to come to Casablanca? There are other places. Ilsa: I wouldn't have come if I'd 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 anyplace. 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. The 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. Ilsa: Can I tell you a story, Rick? Rick: Does it got a wow finish? Ilsa: I don't know the finish yet. Rick: Go on and tell it. Maybe one will come to you as you go along.

Dialogue

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: You mustn't underestimate American blundering. I was with them when they "blundered" into Berlin in 1918.

Dialogue

Rick: That was some going-over your men gave my place. We just barely got cleaned up in time to open. Renault: Well, I told Major Strasser that he wouldn't find the letters here, but I told my men to be especially destructive. You know how that impresses Germans. [leans in] Rick. Have you got those letters? Rick: Louis, are you pro-Vichy or Free French? Renault: [smiling] Hmmph. Serves me right for asking a direct question. The subject is closed.

Dialogue

Strasser: I'm not entirely sure 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? Renault: Well, surely the Reich doesn't permit that possibility. Strasser: You are concerned about more than Casablanca. We know that every French province in Africa is honey-combed with traitors waiting for their chance, waiting, perhaps, for a leader. Renault: A leader - like Laszlo? Strasser: Mmm hmm.

Dialogue

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. Do you know what I've been doing? Do 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've got 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 happen 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. 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 milli

Dialogue

Rick: Sam? Sam: Yes, boss. Rick: If it's December 1941 in Casablanca, what time is in New York? Sam: What? My watched stopped. Rick: I bet they're asleep in New York. I bet they're asleep all over America.

Dialogue

Strasser: [after Laszlo leads the band in playing the French national anthem] 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: But everybody's having such a good time. Strasser: Yes, much too good a time. The place is to be closed. Renault: But I've no excuse to close it! Strasser: Find one. [leaves] Renault: [walks into the middle of the room and blows his whistle] Everybody is to leave here immediately! This cafe is closed until further notice. Clear the room, at once! Rick: How can you close me up? On what grounds? Renault: I am shocked—shocked!—to find that gambling is going on in here! Croupier: [to Renault] Your winnings, sir. Renault: Oh, thank you very much. [announcing to the room] Everybody out at once!

Dialogue

Rick: Your unexpected visit isn't connected by any chance with the letters of transit? Seems 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 all through 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. Ilsa: Richard, we loved each other once. If those days meant anything at all to you... Rick: 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: I wouldn't believe you no matter what you told me. You

Dialogue

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 have to think for both of us. For all of us. Rick: All right, I will. Here's looking at you, kid. Ilsa: [smiles] I wish I didn't love you so much.

Dialogue

Rick: Don't you sometimes wonder if it's worth all this? I mean what you're fighting for. Laszlo: You 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: Well, what of it? It'll be out of its misery. Laszlo: You know how you sound, Mr. 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: I get the point. 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're in love with a woman. It is perhaps a strange circumstance that we both should be in love with the same woman. The first evening I came to this café, I knew there was something between you and Ilsa. Since no one is to blame, I - I demand no explanation.

Dialogue

Renault: 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: She isn't just 'any woman.' 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 gonna miss you. Apparently, you're the only one in Casablanca who has even less scruples than I.

Dialogue

Renault: [arresting Lazlo] Oh, you're surprised about my friend, Ricky. The explanation is quite simple. Love, it seems, has triumphed over virtue. Rick: [pointing a gun at Renault] Not so fast, Louis. Nobody's gonna be arrested - not for a while yet...And remember, this gun is pointed right at your heart. Renault: That is my least vulnerable spot.

Dialogue

Rick: Because you're getting on that plane. Ilsa: I don't understand. What about you? Rick: I'm staying here with him 'til the plane gets safely away. Ilsa: No, Richard. No. What has happened to you? Last night... 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: But Richard, no, I've... Rick: Now, you've got to listen to me. Do you have any idea what you 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: 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. Maybe

Dialogue

Rick: There's something you should know before you leave. Laszlo: Mr. 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: What you didn't know was that she was at my place last night when you were. She came there for the letters of transit. Isn't that true, Ilsa? Ilsa: Yes. Rick: She tried everything to get them and nothing worked. She did her best to convince me she was still in love with me but that was over long ago. For your sake she pretended it wasn't and I let her pretend. Laszlo: I understand. Rick: Here it is. [hands the letters to Lazlo] Laszlo: Thanks. I appreciate it. Welcome back to the fight. This time, I know our side will win. Are you ready, Ilsa? Ilsa: Yes, I'm ready. Good-bye Rick. [softly] God bless you. Rick: You better hurry. You'll miss that plane.

Dialogue

Renault: Well, I was right. You are a sentimentalist. Rick: Stay where you are. I don't know what you're talking about. Renault: What you just did for Laszlo. That fairy tale 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 very pleasant for either of us, especially for you. I'll have to arrest you, of course. Rick: As soon as the plane goes, Louis.

Dialogue

Strasser: What was the meaning of that phone call? Renault: Victor Laszlo is on that plane. Strasser: Why do you stand there? Why don't you stop him?! Renault: Ask Monsieur Rick. Rick: [drawing a pistol] Get away from that phone! Strasser: I would advise you not to interfere. Rick: I was willing to shoot Captain Renault and I'm willing to shoot you. Strasser: [into the phone] Hello? Rick: Put that phone down! Strasser: Get me the radio tower! Rick: Put it down! Renault: Major Strasser has been shot. [pause] Round up the usual suspects.

Dialogue

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. [pours the Vichy water into a glass, but then sees its label; with a look of disgust, he quickly drops the bottle into a trash basket and kicks it over. Then watches the plane flying into the mist. He then walks off the wet runway into the mist with Rick] 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: Mm-hm. Rick: Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.