Tuesday, October 21, 2008

We'll always have ...



I'm planning a Casablanca theme party for next Sunday. My clunky dining room table will be moved out and I'll have small tables set up, café style.

I had cocktail napkins personalized to say "Rick's Café Americain." There's a palm tree image on them, to remind you of Morocco. Or L.A., where the movie was shot. I found small votive lights with battery-operated bulbs that flicker like the real thing. (My safety-wise husband doesn't allow open flames in the house.) As part of the program we'll watch the movie on a 58-inch Hi Def TV screen. At least one of my brothers-in-law is dusting off his white tuxedo jacket.

Like my guests, I love that movie. But I can't watch the end. Too sad. Go with him, I want to scream. Go with Rick! You did all you could for Victor What's-his-name.

There are a number of other movies in this category – I love them but I can't watch the end. Godfather 3 is one. The ending broke my heart the first time I saw it, so I watch right up to that point, then it's off.

Don't even get me started on Italian opera. Rigoletto, for example. Remember: the scumbag Rigoletto thought he killed is singing in the distance; it's his own daughter in the sack he's dragging behind his poor humped back.

I can't stand sad endings. I know they're realistic, but I don't have to like them.

What do you think? Should Ilsa have stayed with Rick?

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

She might have been miserable with him. More creative an ending. Makes you wonder, as in the "which door, the lady or the tiger"? Now, as far as endings go, the day after the end of the baseball in my town, I couldn't read the sports pages. Do you mind my comparison? xoxoxoxox

pwl said...

I think leaving him was the right thing to do. In another life, perhaps not.

I must apologize - your story reminded me of when my niece was 3 years old. There was a story about Humpty Dumpty on TV - and she put herself to bed because she couldn't bear to stay and see him fall off the wall.

Ann Parker said...

I dunno... I think I'd vote for Ilse saying "So long, good luck" to Victor and staying in Casa Blanca.
It's interesting to think "what might have been" from there. Ilse and Rick *both* would have had to change, to make this work. As the ending stands, they continue down their separate paths, as before.

Plus, the original is too much a "stand by your man" ending, for me! ;-)

Camille Minichino said...

I like the Humpty-Dumpty comparison -- much better than the sports analolgy!

But I do agree Rick and Ilsa might not have made it ...

Camille Minichino said...

Never thought of Stand By Your Man, Ann -- now I really wish she'd have stayed with Rick and Louie!

Joanna Campbell Slan said...

I'm with you, Camille. And I think the phantom in Phantom of the Opera is much more interesting that old whosie-whatsis.

Betty Hechtman said...

I don't like sad ending either and have been known to watch a movie more than once thinking somehow the ending will be different. I didn't say it made sense.

Camille Minichino said...

I love that idea, Betty -- maybe I will watch Casablanca through on Sunday!

Anonymous said...

As beautiful as Ilsa was, I felt she was a bit wimpy at the end. But the thing is, I got the feeling Rick didn't really want her. Not for long-term. Not just out of the goodness of his heart, but maybe a bit because she would cramp his style?

Of course, it's been years since I watched it, so I could be WAY off!