Film Viewing and Discussion of “Casablanca”

September’s Providence film night features Michael Curtiz’s 1942 Casablanca, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Filmed and set during WWII, Casablanca focuses on cynical American expatriate Rick Blaine (Bogart), who must choose between his love for IIsa Lund (Bergman) and helping her and her husband escape Nazi-controlled French Morocco. This specific decision serves as a stand-in for Rick’s larger dilemma: whether to be a part of the larger fight against Nazism or to protect his own direct interests and take care of himself. With this month marking the 85th anniversary of the invasion of Poland, the film raises important questions about Wilsonian idealism, the role of American power, and the weighing of global responsibility with closer-to-home responsibilities to protect American interests. We will watch the movie at 6:30 PM. There will be a discussion led by Marc LiVecche following the film. There will be a light reception of movie theater snacks beforehand at 6:00 PM. Guests are welcome. If you have any questions, please email sstewart@theird.org