Love and loyalty in a world at war – An unforgettable tale of Casablanca.
Watch the original version of Casablanca
Prologue:
Casablanca, Morocco in December 1941 – a city that is ridden with war, politics and espionage. The city is a hub for refugees and spies, all of whom are trying to flee Europe and the clutches of the Nazis. It is a city that is always shrouded in mystery and danger, but there is one man who seems to thrive in this environment – Rick Blaine.
Rick is an American expatriate living in Casablanca, and he is the owner of a popular nightclub called “Rick’s Café Américain.” Despite the chaos that is happening all around him, Rick has managed to stay neutral and focus on running his business. But that all changes when his former lover, Ilsa Lund, walks into his club one evening.
Chapter 1:
The night was young, and the streets of Casablanca were bustling with activity. The city was filled with refugees and spies, all looking for a way out of Europe and away from the Nazis. Rick Blaine was sitting at the bar in his club, watching the chaos unfold around him. He had seen it all before – people desperate to leave, corrupt officials willing to do anything for a bribe, and the ever-present danger of being caught by the authorities.
As Rick sipped his drink, he noticed a woman walking towards him. She was elegant and beautiful, with striking blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. It took him a moment to recognize her, but he soon realized that she was Ilsa Lund, his former lover.
Rick froze. It had been years since he had seen Ilsa, and he had never expected to see her again. He had loved her with all his heart, but she had betrayed him and left him without any explanation. The sight of her was overwhelming, and Rick couldn’t help but feel a mixture of anger and sadness.
Ilsa approached Rick and looked him straight in the eyes. “Hello, Rick,” she said softly. Rick’s heart skipped a beat as he heard her voice. It was as if no time had passed, and he was transported back to the days when they were in love.
“What are you doing here, Ilsa?” Rick asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
“I need your help,” Ilsa replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “My husband, Victor Laszlo, is here in Casablanca, and he’s in danger. The Nazis are after him, and I need to get him out of the country.”
Rick was stunned. He had heard of Victor Laszlo – he was one of the most wanted men in Casablanca, a Czech resistance leader who posed a threat to the German regime. Rick knew that helping Laszlo could put his own life in danger, but he couldn’t deny Ilsa anything. He still loved her, even though he had tried to bury those feelings deep inside.
“I’ll see what I can do,” Rick said finally. “But you have to understand that this is risky business. You could get us both killed.”
Ilsa nodded, and Rick could see the fear in her eyes. He knew that he had to act quickly if he wanted to help her and Laszlo. But first, he needed more information.
“Meet me tomorrow at the Blue Parrot,” Rick said, referring to a popular nightclub in the city. “We’ll discuss this further.”
Ilsa nodded and gave Rick a small smile before turning and walking out of the club. Rick watched her leave, his heart heavy with emotion. He knew that helping Ilsa would mean confronting his past and facing the truth about what happened between them in Paris. But he also knew that he couldn’t let her down, no matter what the cost.
Chapter 2:
Rick felt like he’d been hit by a ton of bricks. He couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw her standing there in his club. Ilsa Lund. The woman he loved more than anything in the world. His heart dropped down to his feet as he tried to collect himself. He knew he had to put up a front, but it was so difficult to keep his emotions in check.
Ilsa noticed Rick’s reaction and approached him, her eyes full of tears. “Hello, Rick,” she whispered.
Rick swallowed hard, trying to find his words. “Hello, Ilsa,” He managed to say finally.
She hugged him, and he felt his knees give in a little. Her embrace was warmer than he’d remembered. They let go of each other reluctantly.
“It’s been a long time,” She said.
“Too long,” Rick replied, trying to keep his voice steady.
Ilsa’s husband, Victor Laszlo, joined them. Rick knew Victor by reputation. He was a Czech resistance leader, one of the most wanted men in Casablanca. Rick looked at him with a mix of admiration and envy. He knew that Victor was the cause of Ilsa’s sudden reappearance in his life.
“Rick, this is Victor Laszlo,” Ilsa introduced them.
“Laszlo,” Rick nodded.
Victor returns his greeting with a polite smile. “Madame and I have heard a lot about you.”
“All good things, I hope,” Rick responded, trying to mask his discomfort.
Ilsa shot Rick a pleading look, and he knew what she wanted. She wanted him to give them a break, someplace private where they could talk. He led them to his office at the back of the club, where he offered them a drink.
Once seated, Victor cleared his throat. “Rick, we need your help.”
Rick knew what this meant. Victor and Ilsa wanted him to help them escape. He couldn’t believe it; the woman he loved was married to a man he deeply respected, and they needed his help to escape. He took a deep breath before speaking. “I’m sorry, Victor. I run a business here. I can’t afford to take sides.”
Ilsa’s eyes welled up with tears, and Rick couldn’t bear to see her hurt. “Ilsa, why did you have to come here? Why did you have to remind me of what we had? I told you never to play that tune again.”
“I didn’t come here to rekindle old flames, Rick.” Ilsa said in a low voice.
“Then why did you?” Rick was losing his cool.
“Victor and I need your help. Please, Rick,” Ilsa begged.
Rick’s face softened a little. “Fine. I’ll help you, but I want you to know that I’m doing this for Victor, not for you.”
Ilsa nodded, relieved. “Thank you, Rick.”
Victor spoke, cutting the tension in the room. “Rick, I appreciate your help. But it’s more than that. We need to escape Casablanca because I have vital information that can help the Allies. I am one of the most wanted men here, and my life is in danger.”
Rick looked at Victor, realizing the gravity of the situation. He didn’t know if he wanted to be involved in this. “I don’t know, Victor. The Germans have a tight grip on Casablanca. It’s not going to be easy.”
“We know it’s not going to be easy, but it’s our only chance,” Ilsa said, pleading.
Rick took a deep breath, then spoke. “Okay. I’ll do it. But I have one condition. You two leave Casablanca, and I never see you again. Can you promise me that?”
Ilsa looked at him, sad and defeated. “Yes, Rick. I promise.”
Victor placed a hand on Rick’s shoulder, grateful. “Thank you, Rick.”
Rick forced a smile. “You’re welcome. Go and get some rest. I’ll make the arrangements.”
Ilsa and Victor left, leaving Rick alone with his thoughts. His heart was aching, and he felt like a fool. He thought he’d put Ilsa behind him, but she’d come back and opened old wounds that he thought had healed.
He felt a little sick as he thought about the past. He remembered the first time he met Ilsa in Paris. She’d walked into his cafe, looking like an angel. Rick fell head over heels in love with her. They’d spent many happy days and nights together, but then the Germans came, and she left him without a word of explanation.
He didn’t know if he could forgive her for that. It was why he was so bitter towards her.
Rick closed his eyes and took deep breaths, trying to get his emotions under control. He knew he had work to do.
He would help Victor and Ilsa escape, and then he would bury his feelings for her. He had to forget her if he wanted to survive in Casablanca.
Chapter 3:
Paris, France – 1940
Rick Blaine and Ilsa Lund were in love in Paris, the city of lights, music, and art. Everything was perfect until the Germans invaded, and the city lost its aura of love and romance.
Rick Blaine was a successful nightclub owner, who had made a fortune selling alcohol and gambling. He loved Paris and considered it his home, but when the Germans took over, he knew he had to leave to avoid arrest.
As he was packing his bags, he received a telegram from Ilsa, asking him to meet her at the train station. He didn’t know what to expect, but he was excited to see her again.
When he arrived at the station, he saw Ilsa waiting for him. She was wearing a beautiful red dress, which accentuated her curves, and a matching hat that made her look elegant and sophisticated.
“Rick,” she said, as she hugged him, “I’m so happy to see you.”
“I’m happy to see you too, Ilsa,” Rick said, trying to hide his emotions.
They walked to a nearby café and ordered some coffee. For a few minutes, they just looked at each other, as if they were trying to read each other’s minds. Rick couldn’t believe he was sitting across from the woman he loved—the woman who had left him without any explanation.
“I’m sorry, Rick,” Ilsa said, finally breaking the silence. “I had to leave.”
“Why?” Rick asked, trying to hide the pain in his voice.
“I couldn’t explain then, and I can’t explain now,” Ilsa said, her eyes filled with tears. “But please believe me, I had no choice.”
Rick didn’t say anything. He knew that Ilsa was telling the truth, but he was hurt and angry. He had given everything for her, and she had left him without any explanation.
“When the Germans invaded, I joined the resistance,” Ilsa said, trying to change the subject. “Victor and I have been working together to help the resistance, and that’s why we’re here in Casablanca.”
“Victor?” Rick asked, confused.
“Yes, Victor Laszlo,” Ilsa said, her eyes shining with pride. “He’s an important figure in the resistance, and we’re trying to get to America, where he can continue his work.”
Rick knew about Victor Laszlo. He was a Czech resistance leader and a thorn in the side of the German regime. The Germans wanted him dead, and they would stop at nothing to get him.
“I see,” Rick said, trying to keep his emotions in check. “So, what are you doing here in Casablanca?”
“We’re waiting for a visa to America,” Ilsa said. “And we need your help, Rick.”
“My help?” Rick asked, surprised. “What can I do?”
“You have contacts here, Rick,” Ilsa said. “We need to get out of Casablanca as soon as possible, and I know you can help us.”
Rick knew that Ilsa was right. He had contacts, and he knew how to get things done in Casablanca. But he was torn between his love for Ilsa and his desire to stay neutral.
“I’ll do what I can, Ilsa,” Rick said, finally. “But I can’t make any promises.”
“I understand,” Ilsa said, smiling. “Thank you, Rick. You’re still the same old Rick.”
They finished their coffee and said their goodbyes. Rick watched as Ilsa walked away, and he knew that he was still in love with her. But he also knew that he couldn’t let his emotions get in the way of his safety and neutrality.
As he walked back to his apartment, Rick thought about Ilsa and Victor. He knew that he had to help them, but he also knew that it would be dangerous. The Germans controlled Casablanca, and anyone who went against them risked their lives.
Rick sat at his piano and started playing “As Time Goes By”. The memories of Ilsa flooded his mind, and he couldn’t help but feel sad and lonely. He knew that his life would never be the same again.
Chapter 4:
Rick was in his office, his thoughts mired with the sudden appearance of Ilsa and her husband, Victor Laszlo. He was a man who believed in neutrality, and the war wasn’t his fight. He had a comfortable life in Casablanca, with his business thriving day-by-day. But things had turned upside down with the arrival of Ilsa and Laszlo.
He poured himself a drink, took a sip, and began pacing around his office, trying to make sense of everything that had happened. He had been hurt and betrayed by Ilsa years ago, and now she had come back into his life with her husband. But he couldn’t deny the fact that he still had feelings for her.
Rick’s thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. Sam, his loyal pianist, entered the room. “Boss, Captain Renault is here to see you.”
Rick’s eyebrows furrowed. He wondered what Captain Renault, the corrupt and self-serving official, wanted from him. In walked the captain, a smirk plastered on his face.
“Rick, my dear friend,” Captain Renault said in a teasing voice. “I’ve heard you’re getting into some trouble with the local authorities.”
Rick remained silent, knowing it was pointless to argue with the captain.
“But don’t worry, I can make it go away,” Captain Renault continued, taking a seat in front of Rick’s desk. “All you have to do is answer a few questions for me.”
Rick knew he had no other choice but to cooperate. “What do you want to know?” he asked.
“I want to know what you know about Victor Laszlo,” Captain Renault said, his tone serious. “He’s one of the most wanted men in Casablanca. I don’t want you getting mixed up with the wrong crowd.”
Rick knew he couldn’t say anything that would incriminate himself. “I don’t know much about him,” he said, shrugging his shoulders.
Captain Renault gave him a skeptical look but decided to let it go. “Well, if you hear anything about him, make sure you let me know,” he said.
Rick watched as the captain left his office, relieved that he had managed to get out of the situation unscathed. But his thoughts once again drifted back to Ilsa and Laszlo. He still didn’t understand why they had come to Casablanca.
He decided to go to his club, hoping to drown his thoughts in alcohol and music. But as he stepped into the club, he saw Laszlo and Ilsa once again. This time, Laszlo was speaking to a group of resistance fighters.
Rick began to piece everything together. Laszlo was a leader of the resistance, and his arrival in Casablanca had caused a stir among the Germans. Rick realized that he couldn’t remain neutral any longer. He had to help Laszlo and the resistance.
He made his way to the bar and signaled Sam to pour him a drink. “Sam, we have to help Laszlo,” he whispered.
Sam nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. “How can we help him?”
“We have to come up with a way for him to escape Casablanca,” Rick said, his eyes locking onto Ilsa’s. “But we have to do it without arousing suspicion.”
Sam nodded once again, and the two men began to plan their escape plan for Laszlo and Ilsa.
Rick knew that the Germans were watching his every move, and he had to be careful. But he also knew that he couldn’t let Laszlo fall into their hands, and he couldn’t let Ilsa go again.
It was time for Rick to choose a side, and he knew what he had to do. He couldn’t remain neutral any longer, not when the fate of the resistance was at stake.
Chapter 5:
Ilsa’s Plea
As Rick sat in his office, he couldn’t help but think about Ilsa’s visit to his club. He knew he still had feelings for her, but he was determined to keep his distance. He couldn’t risk getting hurt again. However, his resolve was about to be tested.
There was a knock on his door, and before he could answer it, Ilsa entered. Rick felt a wave of emotions wash over him, but he tried his best to remain calm.
“Good evening, Rick,” Ilsa said softly.
Rick stood up from his chair and nodded in her direction. “What brings you here, Ilsa?”
“I need your help,” she replied, her blue eyes pleading with him.
Rick raised an eyebrow. “My help? What kind of help?”
“It’s Victor,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “He needs to leave Casablanca as soon as possible.”
Rick knew Victor was a wanted man, but he didn’t realize the extent of the danger he was in. “What’s the rush? I thought he was safe here.”
“He is, for now,” Ilsa admitted. “But the Germans are closing in, and we don’t have much time.”
Rick rubbed his chin, deep in thought. He knew he couldn’t refuse Ilsa’s plea. He owed her that much.
“What do you need me to do?” he finally asked.
“I need you to help us escape,” Ilsa said, her voice trembling. “Victor has vital information that can help the Allies. We need to get him out of here before the Germans find him.”
Rick’s mind was racing. He knew Casablanca and its corrupt officials like the back of his hand, and he knew how to get things done. But the risks were high, and he didn’t want to put his own life in danger.
“Why are you asking me, Ilsa?” Rick asked, his voice cold.
“Because I trust you,” she replied, her eyes locked onto his.
Rick stared at her for a moment, then sighed. “Fine. I’ll help you, but on one condition.”
Ilsa tilted her head in confusion. “What condition?”
“I’m doing this for the greater good, not for you,” Rick said firmly. “Don’t get any ideas.”
Ilsa nodded, understanding. “I don’t expect anything from you, Rick.”
“Good,” Rick said, picking up a piece of paper and scribbling something on it. “Here’s the address of a man who can help you. His name is Signor Ferrari. He’s well-connected and can arrange everything you need to leave Casablanca.”
Ilsa took the paper from him and folded it carefully. “Thank you, Rick. I knew I could count on you.”
Rick nodded, feeling a sense of satisfaction that he was able to help, even if it was just a little bit. “Just be careful, Ilsa. Casablanca isn’t a safe place for anyone.”
“I will,” she promised, turning to leave.
As she walked out of his office, Rick couldn’t help but watch her go. Despite his earlier assurances that he was doing this for the greater good, he knew deep down it was also because of her. He was still in love with her, and he knew it was going to be even harder to let her go a second time.
Chapter 6:
Rick paces back and forth in his office at Rick’s Cafe, his mind racing with plans on how to get Victor and Ilsa out of Casablanca. He knows the stakes are high, as Laszlo is wanted by the Germans, and the local authorities are keeping a close eye on anyone who may be helping him. Rick takes a deep breath and thinks through the possible escape routes. He realizes that he needs help.
With determination, Rick marches out of his office and heads straight to the police station. He knows he needs to find Captain Louis Renault, the corrupt official that he had dealt with before. As he enters the station, Rick scans the room, looking for Renault. He spots him sitting at his desk, flipping through some papers.
“Captain Renault, I need to talk to you,” Rick says.
Renault raises his head, looking at Rick with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. “What do you want, Blaine?” he asks.
“I need your help to get Victor Laszlo and his wife out of Casablanca,” Rick says bluntly.
“Why would I help you do that?” Renault asks skeptically.
“Because it’s the right thing to do,” Rick replies, with conviction in his voice. “Laszlo is fighting against the Nazis, and his information could be crucial in turning the tide of the war. Helping him means helping the Allies, and that’s what I’m all about.”
Renault considers Rick’s words for a moment, then nods his head. “Alright, I’ll help you,” he says, sounding surprisingly sincere.
Rick’s eyes widen in surprise, but he quickly regains his composure. “Thank you, Captain. Here’s what we need to do…”
Rick lays out his plan to Renault, explaining how he intends to get Victor and Ilsa onto a plane that’s leaving Casablanca that evening. Renault nods along, listening intently. Rick knows that he’s taking a risk by trusting Renault, but he also knows that he has no other options.
As they head out of the police station, Rick sees Ilsa waiting for him outside. She looks worried, and he can tell that she’s anxious about their plan. He approaches her and places a comforting hand on her shoulder.
“We have a way out,” he says, smiling reassuringly. “But we need to move quickly.”
Ilsa nods, and the three of them make their way towards the airport. Along the way, they encounter a group of German soldiers who are patrolling the area. Rick’s heart skips a beat, and he’s afraid that their plan has been discovered. However, Renault manages to talk his way out of the situation, and they’re able to continue on their way.
As they near the airport, Rick sees the plane that they’re supposed to board. It’s a small, single-engine aircraft that looks like it’s seen better days. But Rick knows that it’s their only chance of escape. He approaches the pilot, a grizzled old man who looks like he’s been flying planes since before Rick was born.
“We need to leave now,” Rick says, his voice urgent.
The pilot nods and begins to prepare the plane for takeoff. Rick turns to Ilsa and gives her a quick hug. “Stay safe,” he whispers in her ear.
Ilsa looks at Rick with a mixture of gratitude and sadness. “Thank you for everything,” she says.
The group begins to make their way towards the plane, but they’re stopped by a group of German soldiers who are guarding the perimeter. Rick’s heart sinks, and he realizes that their plan has been discovered. He turns to Renault, hoping that he can think of something to save them.
But Renault surprises him. “I’m shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here!” he says, pretending to be outraged.
Rick realizes that Renault is playing a role, distracting the Germans and giving them a chance to escape. He’s grateful for Renault’s help, but he knows that they need to move quickly. He grabs Ilsa’s hand and pulls her towards the plane.
As they scramble aboard, Rick can feel his heart pounding in his chest. He knows that they’re taking a huge risk, and he’s afraid that they won’t make it out alive. But he also knows that he has no other choice. As the plane takes off, Rick looks out the window at the city below. He knows that he may never see Casablanca again, but he’s at peace with his decision. He knows that he’s done the right thing, and that’s all that matters.
Chapter 7:
Rick watched as the plane carrying Victor and Ilsa disappeared into the night sky. He stood there for a few moments, deep in thought, then turned to go back into his club. As he walked towards his office, he knew that his life was going to be different from now on. He had made a decision, and he was ready to face the consequences.
Once inside his office, he sat down at his desk and took a deep breath. He knew what he had to do. He picked up the phone and called Captain Renault.
“Hello, Louis? It’s Rick. I need to talk to you.”
“What can I do for you, my friend?” came the response.
“I need to talk to you about something important. Can you come over to my office?”
“I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
Rick hung up the phone and sat back in his chair, waiting for Renault to arrive.
When Renault walked in, Rick greeted him warmly and offered him a drink. They sat down, and Rick began to explain his plan.
“Louis, I’ve made a decision. I’m going to join the fight against the Germans. I can’t stand idly by and watch them destroy everything I believe in.”
Renault looked skeptical. “But Rick, you’ve always been neutral. You’ve never wanted to get involved in anything political.”
“I know, but things have changed. I can’t ignore what’s happening anymore. I want to do something, and I think I can make a difference.”
Renault looked thoughtful. “I understand, my friend. But what can you do? You’re just one man. What difference can you make?”
Rick smiled. “I have a plan. It’s risky, but I think it can work. I want to use my club as a way to help the resistance. We can hide weapons, smuggle people out of the country, and gather information. We’ll be doing our part to help the Allies.”
Renault nodded slowly. “It’s a good plan. But are you sure you’re ready for this? It’s not going to be easy. You’re going to be putting yourself in danger.”
Rick shrugged. “I know the risks. But I can’t just sit back and watch. I have to do something.”
Renault sighed. “All right, my friend. I’ll help you however I can. But you have to promise me one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“That you won’t get yourself killed.”
Rick grinned. “I’ll do my best, Louis.”
And so, Rick’s plan was put into action. He and Renault worked together to gather resources and information. They recruited people to help them, and they started to make a difference. Rick’s club became a hub of activity, with people coming and going at all hours. They were smuggling weapons, gathering intelligence, and doing whatever they could to help the resistance.
As the war continued, Rick’s reputation grew. People looked up to him and admired him. He had become a symbol of hope in a time of darkness.
And then, one day, everything changed.
The Germans had discovered Rick’s involvement in the resistance. They raided his club and arrested everyone who was there. Rick was taken to a prison camp, where he was interrogated and tortured.
But Rick refused to give up. He kept his mouth shut and refused to betray anyone. He knew that if he gave in, it would mean the end of everything he had worked for.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. Rick was subjected to unspeakable horrors, but he never broke. He never gave in.
And then, one day, the camp was liberated. The war was over, and Rick was free.
He returned to Casablanca, a hero. People cheered him in the streets, and he was welcomed back with open arms.
But Rick was different now. He was scarred, both physically and emotionally. He had seen things that no one should ever have to see. He had lost friends, and he had almost lost himself.
So he did something that surprised everyone. He sold his club and left Casablanca. He traveled the world, searching for peace and redemption.
And then, one day, he met a woman. Her name was Sarah, and she was beautiful and kind. They fell in love, and he knew that he had found what he had been searching for.
They settled down in a small town, where they lived quiet, happy lives. They had children and grandchildren, and Rick was finally able to find the peace he had always longed for.
But he never forgot Casablanca. He never forgot Ilsa, or Victor, or Louis. They had all played a part in his story, and he knew that he would always carry them with him.
And so, he lived out the rest of his days, content and at peace, surrounded by the people he loved. And he knew that, no matter what happened, he had done his part to make the world a better place.
Some scenes from the movie Casablanca written by A.I.
Scene 1
Fade In:
EXT. RICK’S CAFE AMERICAIN – NIGHT
The year is 1941, and we are in Casablanca, Morocco. A neon sign that says “Rick’s Cafe Americain” illuminates the street below. The sound of jazz music can be heard from inside the club.
INT. RICK’S CAFE AMERICAIN – NIGHT
The place is filled with people from all walks of life. They are drinking, smoking, and gambling. We see RICK BLAINE (40s), an American expatriate, who owns the club. He is standing at the bar, looking jaded and cynical.
Suddenly, the door to the club opens, and in walks ILSA LUND (30s), Rick’s former lover. She is stunning, with a vintage dress and a fur shawl. She is accompanied by her husband, VICTOR LASZLO (40s), a Czech resistance leader. Rick looks stunned.
Ilsa and Victor head towards the back of the club, where they find an empty table. Rick watches as they sit down, and then approaches them.
RICK:
(to Ilsa)
Hello, Ilsa. It’s been a long time.
ILSA:
Rick. I wasn’t expecting to see you here.
Rick looks at Victor.
RICK:
(to Victor)
And who might this be?
VICTOR:
I am Victor Laszlo. And you are Rick, the man who owns this establishment.
Rick nods.
ILSA:
Victor and I are here on important business. We need your help.
RICK:
(skeptical)
My help? I don’t see how I can be of any assistance.
ILSA:
Victor is wanted by the Germans. If we don’t get out of Casablanca, he will be captured and killed.
Rick looks at Ilsa, conflicted.
RICK:
(sighs)
You shouldn’t have come here, Ilsa.
The tension between Rick and Ilsa is palpable, and the scene ends with Rick walking away from their table.
Fade Out.
Scene 2
INT. RICK’S CAFE AMERICAIN – NIGHT
Rick Blaine, the owner of the club, is talking to his old flame, Ilsa Lund. Victor Lazlo, Ilsa’s husband, sits at a table nearby.
RICK: (surprised) Ilsa, I can’t believe it’s you. What brings you to Casablanca?
ILSA: (sadly) My husband and I, we’re trying to leave Europe.
RICK: (sarcastically) He’s quite the hero, isn’t he?
ILSA: (defensively) Yes, he is. And we need your help, Rick. Victor’s been followed everywhere. It’s only a matter of time before the Germans catch up with us.
RICK: (coldly) Why should I help you?
ILSA: (imploringly) Because at one point, you loved me.
RICK: (angrily) That was a long time ago, Ilsa. And you left without a word. Do you know how much you hurt me?
ILSA: (tearfully) I’m sorry, Rick. But I had to leave.
RICK: (softening) Why?
ILSA: (hesitant) I… I can’t talk about it.
There is a brief silence between them.
RICK: (sighs) Alright, I’ll help you both. But you have to understand, I’m doing it for Victor, not for you.
ILSA: (grateful) Thank you, Rick.
Victor gets up and walks over to them.
VICTOR: (suspiciously) Rick, I’m grateful for your help. But I hope this is not just a game to you.
RICK: (sincerely) It’s not, Victor. We have to get you out of Casablanca before it’s too late.
Scene 3
FADE IN:
EXT. PARIS – 1938 – DAY
A beautiful city in the early hours of the day. The streets are quiet, and the sun has just risen. We see Rick Blaine and Ilsa Lund, walking hand in hand along the Seine River. They seem happy and carefree, laughing and talking.
RICK:
(smiling)
“You know, I never thought I’d have a day off from the club. But I’m glad I did. Spending time with you, Ilsa, is always enjoyable.”
ILSA:
(smiling back)
“I feel the same way, Rick. It’s been too long since we’ve had a day like this.”
Rick looks at her intently, and his eyes soften.
RICK:
(sighing)
“Ilsa, I have to ask you something. Why did you leave me in Paris? Why didn’t you tell me what was going on?”
Ilsa looks down, and her face falls.
ILSA:
(quietly)
“I had to leave you, Rick. I couldn’t let the Germans find out about Victor. I didn’t want to put you in danger.”
Rick looks at her, puzzled.
RICK:
“Victor? Who’s Victor?”
Ilsa looks up at him, tears glistening in her eyes.
ILSA:
“Victor Laszlo. He’s my husband.”
Rick’s face falls, and he steps back.
RICK:
(surprised)
“Your husband? Ilsa, how could you?”
ILSA:
(tearfully)
“I’m sorry, Rick. I never meant to hurt you.”
Rick looks at her for a moment, then turns and walks away. Ilsa stands there, watching him go.
FADE OUT.
Scene 4
EXT. RICK’S CAFÉ AMÉRICAIN – DAY
Rick is standing outside his club, greeting patrons as they enter. Enter Ilsa, looking uneasy.
Ilsa: Rick, can we talk?
Rick: (sighs) What is it now, Ilsa?
Ilsa: It’s about Victor. He’s in trouble.
Rick: Tell me something I don’t know. The Germans would love to get their hands on him.
Ilsa: But he’s not just some random resistance leader. He has information that could help turn the tide of the war.
Rick: (pauses) What does that have to do with me?
Ilsa: I need your help getting him out of Casablanca.
Rick: (laughs ruefully) You really think I’m going to stick my neck out for Victor Laszlo?
Ilsa: This isn’t about him. It’s about doing the right thing.
Rick: (leans in) You forget, Ilsa. I stick my neck out for nobody.
Ilsa: (pleadingly) Please, Rick. I know we have a complicated history, but surely you don’t want to be on the wrong side of history.
Rick considers this for a moment.
Rick: (sighs) Fine. I’ll see what I can do.
Ilsa looks relieved.
Ilsa: Thank you.
Rick: Don’t thank me yet. This is Casablanca, remember? Anything can happen.
Scene 5
INT. RICK’S OFFICE – DAY
Ilsa enters Rick’s office, desperate for his help. Rick sits at his desk, a stern expression on his face.
ILSA: Rick, I need your help. Victor has vital information that could change the course of the war. But we can’t get out of Casablanca without your assistance.
Rick leans back in his chair, considering Ilsa’s request.
RICK: Ilsa, you know I swore I would never take sides. Not for anyone.
ILSA: (pleading) Please, Rick. This is not about taking sides. It’s about doing what’s right.
Rick stands up from his chair, his eyes fixed on Ilsa.
RICK: What’s right? You left me without any explanation. You broke my heart. And now you come here, asking for my help.
ILSA: I know I hurt you, Rick. And I’m sorry. But this is bigger than us. This is about the fate of the world.
Silence hangs in the air as Rick stares at Ilsa, contemplating her request.
RICK: (sighing) Fine. I’ll do it. But make no mistake, I’m doing this for Victor and for the greater good. Not for you.
Ilsa lets out a breath of relief, tears glistening in her eyes.
ILSA: Thank you, Rick.
Rick walks towards Ilsa and places a hand on her shoulder.
RICK: Let’s get started then, shall we?
Ilsa nods, a faint smile on her lips.
ILSA: Yes, let’s.
The two of them set to work, discussing plans to get Victor out of Casablanca, their voices low and urgent.
FADE TO BLACK.
