During my nearly “four score and ten” years on this earth, I have h
ad many unique experiences - as have most people who have lived so long. One of these episodes, that I am recalling, is when I saw the movie “Casablanca” while stationed IN Casablanca. I had completed my 50 missions as a bombardier on a B-17 Flying Fortress, and was waiting for my Orders sending me back to the States.The date was Tuesday October 12, 1943. Casablanca, Morocco. Let me quote from my journal back then:
Columbus day today and what a very nice “Fall” day! I went over to the PX, and Air Corps supply this morning. I slept for a while this afternoon, and then went into town. I walked around sightseeing, and did some shopping at the Bazaar.
I ate supper in town, and then ran into Fred Olson (a 1st pilot from our 429th Bomb squadron.. Fred had completed his tour of duty, recently, too). I then went to the Red Cross Vox theater (outside), and saw the movie “Casablanca”. There is a beautiful full moon out tonight - shining through the palm fronds, and ref
lecting off the nearby alabaster looking buildings.Last night, they kicked off the grand opening of the rehabbed Empress theatre in Vallejo. The theatre goes back almost 100 years. The city of Vallejo, Triad Development, and other investors, have spent nearly seven million dollars on this project. The operators of the theatre picked the classic movie “Casablanca” to dedicate the Empress.
This promotion really got my attention. I had a flashback to that beautiful night in Casablanca in 1943. I wanted to treat my family and friends to see this movie - still unaltered - in black and white.
So, I invited the following people, who
have been very supportive to Marie and I, for many years:Elsie and Gene Doyle; Pat and Francis (Mac) MacDonald, Mary and Greg Torres; Joan and Manny Morais; and Sue and Tom Chilson.
The theatre was sold out (471). Many patrons dressed in outfits of the forties. I couldn’t help but wonder how my seeing Casablanca would affect me emotionally - after nearly 65 years of non-thought. (I may have seen it on TV once). When the movie first started, I felt a strong nostalgic emotion. I did vividly remember the “piano” scenes, and the last foggy- airport getaway scenes. I didn’t remember having any trouble understanding the German and French accent- dialogue the first time, as I did last night. I would like to think that the technical quality of the sound last night, wasn’t
equal to that of the Red Cross theatre back in 1943. But, unfortunately, I think the problem is more associated with my 89 year-old ears.
1 comment:
This was the first time I saw Casablanca. I didn't realize so many lines that people say are from this movie. "Here's to you, Kid", "Play it again, Sam". It was a wonderful treat to see this movie with you, Dad and in the renovated theater. A highlight in my life! Thanks for inviting me.
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