“Casablanca,” released in 1942 and starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, led the American Film Institute’s 2005 annual list of top 100 quotes from U.S. movies with six, the most of any film.
And I’m guessing it still holds the honor and would be surprised if it didn’t.
Of course, Rhett Butler’s cold-shoulder parting shot to Scarlett O’Hara, “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn,” Clark Gable’s line to Vivien Leigh in 1939’s “Gone With the Wind,” was a no-surprise No. 1 during the CBS telecast at the time and probably still is today.
Marlon Brando had the No. 2 and 3 quotes — “I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse,” from “The Godfather,” released in 1972, and his “I coulda been a contender” speech from “On the Waterfront,” released in 1954.
Judy Garland’s Dorothy Gale came in at No. 4 with “Toto, I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore,” from “The Wizard of Oz,” released in 1939.
But at No. 5 was “Here’s looking at you, kid,” spoken by Rick (Bogart) to Ilsa (Bergman) in “Casablanca,” which movie critic Leonard Maltin, in his 2015 (and last) book of capsule reviews, “Movie Guide: The Modern Era,” wrote, “Our candidate for best Hollywood movie of all time.” It’s certainly one of mine.
The AFI’s five other cited quotes from “Casablanca”: “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship,” at No. 20; “Play it, Sam. Play ‘As Time Goes By,’ ” No. 28; “Round up the usual suspects,” No. 32; “We’ll always have Paris,” No. 43; and “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine,” at No. 67.
In a minor dispute with the AFI, I’ll add, for the sake of levity, the quote in which the dapper Prefect of Police, Capt. Louis Renault (Claude Rains), says, “I’m shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here.” Then we see him quickly accept and walk away with his
“winnings.” The scene always prompts a laugh, and, in the early 21st century, reminds many, I suspect, of the role money plays in real-world politics, then and now.
In 2007, the AFI listed “Casablanca” as the No. 3 Best American Movies of All Time, topped by “Citizen Kane” (1941) at No. 1; and “The Godfather” at No. 2.
If you’re wondering how the rankings were determined, the AFI sent ballots to 1,500 individuals, most of them from the film world. Criteria for judging included historical significance, cultural impact, critical recognition and awards, and popularity.
— Richard Bammer/Vacaville Reporter
