Rick rides again in two ‘Casablanca’ showings

Above : “Casablanca” will screen at two area theaters on March 5 and 8. (Photo/Fathom Events)

It’s never too early to get advance word of a classic film’s screening. And that’s especially true for a classic such as “Casablanca.”

The 1942 Humphrey Bogart/Ingrid Bergman romantic thriller will screen twice , at 1 and 7 p.m. on March 5, and at 1 only on March 8, at the Regal Cinemas theaters at NorthTown Mall and Coeur d’Alene’s Riverstone Stadium.

As a sign of just high the film, directed by Oscar-winning Michael Curtiz, is regarded by critics, “Casablanca” was ranked No. 3 (behind “Citizen Kane” and “The Godfather”) in the American Film Institute’s 2007 ranking of the 100 greatest films of all time .

In honor of the upcoming screening, I offer what are generally considered to be the film’s five greatest lines of dialogue (written by the Oscar-winning trio of screenwriters – Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein and Howard Koch).

Some of these I’ve even uttered a time or two myself.

“Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine.” Rick (Bogart) to himself.

“Here’s looking at you, kid.” Rick to Ilsa (Bergman) in a Paris flashback.

“I’m shocked! Shocked to find that gambling is going on in here.” Captain Renault (Claude Raines) while closing down Rick’s place to appease the German officer Major Strasser (Conrad Veidt).

“We’ll always have Paris.” Rick telling Ilsa goodbye before putting her on the plane with heer husband Victor Lazlo (Paul Henreid).

“I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” Rick to Capt. Renault at the film’s end.

Not a bad way to close out a beautiful film.