Casablanca Page #2

---

EUROPEAN:

Not at all. Au revoir, Monsieur.

Au revoir, Madame.

He leaves. The Englishman, still a trifle disconcerted by

the European's action, watches him as he leaves.

ENGLISHMAN:

Au revoir. Amusing little fellow.

Waiter !

As he pats both his breast and pants pockets he realizes

there is something missing.

ENGLISHMAN:

Oh. How silly of me.

ENGLISHWOMAN:

What, dear?

ENGLISHMAN:

I've left my wallet in the hotel.

ENGLISHWOMAN:

Oh.

Suddenly the Englishman looks off in the direction of the

departed European, the clouds of suspicion gathering.

Interrupting overhead is the DRONE of a low flying airplane.

They look up.

CUT TO:

EXT. OVERHEAD SHOT - DAY

An airplane cuts its motor for landing.

CUT TO:

EXT. PALAIS DE JUSTICE - DAY

Refugees wait in line outside the Palais de Justice. Their

upturned gaze follows the flight of the plane. In their

faces is revealed one hope they all have in common, and the

plane is the symbol of that hope.

Jan and Annina look up at the plane.

ANNINA:

(wistfully)

Perhaps tomorrow we'll be on

that plane.

CUT TO:

EXT. OVERHEAD SHOT - DAY

The plane SWOOPS down past a sign atop a building at the

edge of the airport.

The sign reads "Rick's Cafe Americain."

CUT TO:

EXT. AIRFIELD - DAY

As the plane lands a swastika on its tail is clearly

visible. It taxis to a stop as a group of officers march

into formation in front of it. Behind them stand a detail

of native soldiers keeping guard.

In the group is CAPTAIN LOUIS RENAULT, a French officer

appointed by Vichy as Prefect of Police in Casablanca. He

is a handsome, middle-aged Frenchman, debonair and gay, but

withal a shrewd and alert official.

With him are HERR HEINZE, the German consul, CAPTAIN TONELLI,

an Italian officer, and LIEUTENANT CASSELLE, Renault's aide.

When the plane door opens, the first passenger to step out

is a tall, middle-aged, pale German with a smile that seems

more the result of a frozen face muscle than a cheerful

disposition. On any occasion when MAJOR STRASSER is crossed,

his expression hardens into iron.

Herr Heinze steps up to him with upraised arm.

HEINZE:

Heil Hitler.

STRASSER:

Heil Hitler.

They shake hands .

HEINZE:

It is very good to see you again,

Major Strasser.

STRASSER:

Thank you. Thank you.

Heinze introduces Strasser to Renault.

HEINZE:

May I present Captain Renault,

Police Prefect of Casablanca.

Major Strasser.

Renault salutes.

RENAULT:

Unoccupied France welcomes you to

Casablanca .

STRASSER:

(in perfect English, smiling)

Thank you, Captain. It's very good

to be here.

RENAULT:

Major Strasser, my aide, Lieutenant

Casselle .

As they acknowledge each other, Captain Tonelli barges in

front of Casselle and salutes Strasser.

Rate this script:3.9 / 34 votes