TCM has joined forces with NCM Fathom and Warner Bros. for a special showing of “Turner Classic Movies Presents Casablanca 70th Anniversary Event” for one night only in select movie theaters nationwide on Wednesday, March 21st at 7:00PM (local time). Here’s a rare opportunity for movie fans (classic or not) to see Casablanca on the big screen, looking better than ever and in it’s original aspect ratio thanks to a new digital print.
Undoubtedly one of the all time greatest films ever produced, the 1943 Academy Award Best Picture winner is a popular tale of love and sacrifice, subterfuge and double dealings, all set amidst the background of a French Moroccan city just before America entered into WWII. With a legendary cast that includes Humphrey Bogart in what would become his most iconic role, a young and lovely Ingrid Bergman, a deliciously duplicitous Claude Raines, a wonderfully villainous Conrad Veidt, a dashing Paul Henreid, the round and jolly Sydney Greenstreet, AND Peter Lorre at his absolute most endearing slitchy-est (it’s a made up word, but it suits him to a T), not to mention an incredibly appealing mass of character actors in every single role (S.Z. Sakall, Dooley Wilson, Leonid Kinskey, etc.), Casablanca is the finest example of the Studio System at its best.
If you’re familiar with Casablanca than you already know why it’s considered a big deal. If you’ve never seen this exceptional movie then you need to know that this is one of THE films that helped to define what became known as the Golden Age of Hollywood. In fact, I can’t think of a better way of seeing any movie for the first time than projected on the big screen of a movie theater, and to see one that typifies the glorious days of tinsel town is an experience not to be missed. As an added bonus the evening’s event will begin with TCM host Robert Osborne’s filmed tour behind the scenes of the epic love story showcasing stories from those who were on set and others who admire this timeless classic.
“Turner Classic Movies Presents Casablanca 70th Anniversary Event” is the only opportunity to see this stunning digital presentation grace the silver screen. The Wednesday, March 21st screening is scheduled for 7:00PM (local time), but there will be additional matinee showings at select movie theater locations. Tickets are on sale now, but I urge you not to hesitate. Seats are limited, so I recommend buying your tickets early. After all, this is for one night only. If you miss this special screening you will regret it. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of your life (once you see the film you’ll get the reference and know that it was accurate). Quick! Buy your tickets now!