Now considered a classic, particularly because of some of the casting choices, Warner Bros. originally envisioned Casablanca (1942) as a Ronald Reagan vehicle. Originally the studio intended this "B-movie" player to be the lead in just another B-movie.

For some star power, they chose Ann Sheridan to co-star with The Gipper. How big of a star was Sheridan? Well, in 1939 Warner Bros the popular pin-up girl was voted the actress with the most "oomph" in America.

She did not like this label, though. Perhaps receiving thousands of marriage proposals via fan mail gets more than a bit tiresome, even for the stars?

And in case you're wondering, "oomph"—in the parlance of the times—was described as a "certain indefinable something that commands male interest."

So why am I telling you all of this?

Well, Michael Curtiz, the film's director, didn't think Reagan was a believable enough "tough guy" to play Rick. The dashing actor was considered too nice or too conventionally good-looking or something along those lines. And around the same time, Reagan, who was in the Army Reserve, was called up to active duty and Warner Bros. released him from his contract.

While serving in the Army from 1942 to 1945, Captain Reagan kept up with his craft, producing over 400 training films for the military.

With Reagan no longer a possibility, studio head Jack Warner then went to George Raft, a stylish leading man of the day, known for portraying gangsters in his films. Warner told Raft that he wanted him to play the part of Rick Blaine. Sheridan's role as Ilsa had been recast and would now be played by the relative newcomer from Sweden, Ingrid Bergman.

"Whoever heard of Casablanca?" said Raft, adding, "I don't want to star opposite an unknown Swedish broad."

Raft later called this the biggest mistake of his life.

Many more actors turned down the lead. Eventually, Humphrey Bogart—the seventh choice—landed the part of Rick.

The movie was a hit. Casablanca was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won three Oscars—Outstanding Motion Picture, Best Director (Curtiz), and Best Screenplay.

In 1992, film critic Roger Ebert wrote, "Casablanca is The Movie. There are greater movies. More profound movies. Movies of greater artistic vision or artistic originality or political significance. ...  This is a movie that has transcended the ordinary categories."

The great director Howard Hawks, who we mentioned yesterday, was asked to define a great movie. "Three great scenes. No bad scenes," he said. Ebert contended that "Casablanca multiplies his formula by four."

As for the fellow who was passed over, he turned out to be quite tough in real life. Ronald Wilson Reagan, of course, eventually stopped acting and went on to bigger and better. Governor of California, President of the United States. No big deal.

The Gipper's lasting achievement, however, brought the Soviet Union to its knees, all but completely ending the Cold War.

But still, Bogart was amazing as Rick. "Here's looking at you, kid."

As always,

Brian

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And if you haven't already, give the old classic Casablanca a tumble.

Do so and "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."