Original artwork, not a still
What on Earth brought you to Casablanca?
— Casablanca · 1942
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
The question is the film's central mystery, and Rick's answer is a lie told so lightly that it works as a joke. He will not talk about the woman in Paris. The comedy of the waters-in-the-desert reply hides the wound that the rest of the film unpicks, and Renault's question is the one everyone in the cafe wants answered but only he is bold enough to ask.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for CasablancaShow the scene
Rick and Captain Renault stand at the airfield, watching the Lisbon plane take off for the Americas. Renault has been guessing why an American would hide in Casablanca: embezzled church funds, a senator's wife, or a murder, which he likes best. Rick says it is a combination of all three. Renault asks what in heaven's name brought him here, and Rick gives his famous answer, that he came to Casablanca for the waters. Told that this is the desert, Rick says he was misinformed.
Sources (2)
- Wikiquote: Casablanca (film)Renault dialogue with Rick; Ilsa Lund sectionReference checked
- Casablanca shooting script (ScriptSlug PDF)airfield sceneReference checked
Context reviewed
