10 Memorable Movie Quotes from Casablanca
10 Memorable Movie Quotes from 'Casablanca' Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Streaming > Streaming TV, Movies, & More 192 192 people found this article helpful
This line is actually one of the most misquoted from Casablanca. Nowhere in the film does anyone ever say, "Play it again, Sam," as is often repeated. However, Rick later says, "Play it, Sam," as he tries to drown his sorrows as he remembers his time with Ilsa. 02 of 10
Renault: I'm shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here! [a croupier hands Renault a pile of money]
Croupier: Your winnings, sir.
Renault: Oh, thank you very much. 07 of 10
10 Memorable Movie Quotes From Casablanca
Revisit the moments that made the film a classic
By Ivana Redwine Ivana Redwine Writer California State University Long Beach UCLA Extension Freelance writer covering home video and DVD releases who has written over 200 reviews and 1,000 profiles for various publications, including Turner Classic Movies (TCM). lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on November 17, 2020 Reviewed by Jessica Kormos Reviewed by Jessica Kormos Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Jessica Kormos is a writer and editor with 15 years' experience writing articles, copy, and UX content for Tecca.com, Rosenfeld Media, and many others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Streaming TV, Movies, & More Netflix Hulu Disney+ Prime Video Apple TV+ Favorite Events Set during World War II, the producers of Casablanca (1942) couldn't have known that the film would become a classic. But all these years later, the story of a man (Rick) and a woman (Ilsa) sacrificing their love to support a higher purpose (defeating the Nazis) remains timeless. Casablanca won three Academy Awards for best picture, director, and screenplay and is still one of the most popular films of all time, ranked at the top of many movie critic lists. The movie and its theme song, "As Time Goes By," have become pop culture icons. The film takes place in Casablanca, with most of the action happening at a tavern called Rick's, named for the hero of the story, played by Humphrey Bogart. The plot begins when an old flame, Ilsa Lund (portrayed by Ingrid Bergman), suddenly appears with her husband, Victor Laslow, who's wanted by the Nazis. Rick has to decide whether to put aside his feelings for Ilsa to help Victor escape to help the Resistance. Whether you're a Casablanca fan or have never seen the movie, you'll enjoy these memorable quotes from it. There are some spoilers ahead if you've never seen Casablanca (but what are you waiting for?). 01 of 10Play it once Sam For old times' sake
When Ilsa first arrives, before Rick knows she's there, she approaches the piano player (Sam) and asks him to play "As Time Goes By," which was Ilsa and Rick's song during their love affair. Sam resists at first, knowing it will anger Rick. It does and Rick sees that the woman who left him behind in Paris has shown up in his bar after being absent from his life for years.This line is actually one of the most misquoted from Casablanca. Nowhere in the film does anyone ever say, "Play it again, Sam," as is often repeated. However, Rick later says, "Play it, Sam," as he tries to drown his sorrows as he remembers his time with Ilsa. 02 of 10
Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world she walks into mine
After the bar has closed following Ilsa's appearance and Rick is alone with Sam, he laments her reappearance and shows the audience how devastated he is to see her again, now married to another man. He hits the bottle hard as he recalls their time together. 03 of 10Here' s looking at you kid
Donaldson Collection / Getty Images One of the most-quoted lines from Casablanca, "Here's looking at you, kid," is one that Humphrey Bogart ad-libbed during the flashback scenes of Rick and Ilsa falling in love in Paris. Rick speaks it later in the movie to bid Ilsa farewell and the odd, unsentimental phrase has come to be one of the most romantic lines in movie history. 04 of 10What is your nationality
Donaldson Collection / Getty Images The Nazi Major Strasser is questioning Rick and demands to know his nationality because he's looking for some grounds to arrest him. Rick's reply, and Capt. Renault's chaser are among the lighter moments of the film (and probably represent the lightest moment featuring Major Strasser). Rick: I'm a drunkard. Renault: That makes Rick a citizen of the world. 05 of 10I came to Casablanca for the waters
This exchange between Capt. Renault (played with lively humor by Claude Rains) deepens the mystery about Rick and where his allegiance lies. It also gives a little bit of insight into Renault, whose own allegiance is also unclear at this point in the film. We never do find out why Rick really came to Casablanca. Renault: 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. 06 of 10I' m shocked to find out that gambling is going on
Donaldson Collection / Getty Images Renault is once again the comic relief in Casablanca. He follows Strasser's orders to shut down Rick's Place and an angry Rick asks why (there's no real reason, they're just harassing him). Rick: How can you close me up? On what grounds?Renault: I'm shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here! [a croupier hands Renault a pile of money]
Croupier: Your winnings, sir.
Renault: Oh, thank you very much. 07 of 10