This week marks the 80th anniversary of my favorite movie, "Casablanca."
On the odd chance you AREN'T aware of this film, it weaves the tale of an American expat (played by Humphrey Bogart) forced to choose between his love for a woman and helping her and her husband, a Czech Resistance leader, escape from Casablanca to continue his fight against the Nazis.
It's a gut-wrenching decision.
One of the things that makes this movie special to me is the incredible writing - all the more amazing as the script wasn't even finished when they started filming. In fact, the actors didn't even know the ending until late in the process.
Even so, the dialog's packed with unforgettable moments and lines, such as this exchange:
Renault: What in heaven's name brought you to Casablanca?
Rick: My health. I came to Casablanca for the waters.
Renault: The waters? What waters? We're in the desert!
Rick: I was misinformed.
And this...
Maj. Strasser: Are you one of those people who cannot imagine the Germans in their beloved Paris?
Rick: It's not particularly my beloved Paris.
Maj. Strasser: Can you image us in London?
Rick: When you get there ask me!
Capt. Renault: Hmmmh! Diplomatic!
Maj. Strasser: How about New York?
Rick: Well there are certain sections of New York, Major, that I wouldn't advise you to invade.
And of course...
Rick: Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.
The film won three Academy Awards for best picture, director, and screenplay.
In honor of the 80th anniversary, it's being shown in theaters across the US this weekend and next week.
Of course, I'll be watching.
Some things never go out of style and Bogart - one of the most revered actors of all time - remains an icon of fashion and class.
This role, along with "The Maltese Falcon," catapulted Bogie to the upper echelons of stardom.
As a boomer, I arrived a tad late to the party - he passed away the year after I was born. But I've come to deeply respect his body of work and devotion to his craft.
THAT is what drives every working pro, whether actor or copy-slinger.
Study. Practice. Focus.
THAT is how you discover your own unique voice, your own path to greatness.
And a REALLY great Fedora doesn't hurt either.
Write Faster. Write Better. Right Now.
- Jack Turk
"World's Fastest Copywriter".