A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Bad Continuity in Casablanca

Casablanca, a timeless classic known for its impeccable screenplay and seamless acting, actually contains an interesting story behind its scenes. In this article, we will delve into an instance where the movie had bad continuity, illustrating how even the best films can have minor issues during production.

Understanding Continuity in Cinematography

Before we dive into the specific example, it is crucial to understand what continuity means in the context of filmmaking. Continuity refers to the consistency of visual elements, such as the movement of characters, objects, and backgrounds throughout a film. Maintaining continuity helps to create a cohesive and realistic experience for the audience, which is why it is a fundamental aspect of film production.

The Unique Continuity Issue in Casablanca

One of the most fascinating aspects of Casablanca is a scene where the band transitions from playing Nazi songs to switching to La Marseilles, the French national anthem. This scene is often cited as a prime example of excellent continuity, as it seamlessly incorporates a nod from Humphrey Bogart's character, Rick, without him being physically present on the set.

Here's how it happened:

Scanning the Details: In the original script, when La Marseilles is supposed to be played, the band should nod at Rick and begin playing. However, Rick (Bogart) was not on set that day, as he had been in a meeting upstairs. Paul Henreid (as Victor), who was present, felt that Rick's character should simply nod at the band, indicating for them to start playing. On-Set Anger and Impatience: Michael Curtiz, the director, was not in a good mood and didn't appreciate Henreid's tantrums. This resulted in Henreid being referred to as "Paul Hemerrhoid" by Claude Rains, a costar. Trust in the Director: Curtiz decided to shoot the nod for the camera later, when Bogart was on set. He asked Bogart to nod for the camera, and Bogart complied, not knowing the reason. The Editing Process: After Bogart provided the nod, Curtiz edited it into the scene, making it appear as though Rick had nodded and the band then began playing. This process was done surprisingly quickly, reflecting the urgency to complete the film.

The Emotional Impact and Legacy

The scene was so well-executed that neither the actors nor the audience were aware of the continuity issue until the film was edited. Everyone on the set, including recent refugees from Europe, reacted emotionally to the scene, adding to the authenticity and power of the moment.

Paul Henreid, who directed the original scene, never saw it until the premiere. He was furious that he wasn't informed, claiming that this and other elements of the film's production caused him to lose his leading man status. This story underscores the human element in filmmaking and the often behind-the-scenes struggles that go into creating a cinematic masterpiece.

The Legacy of Casablanca

Despite the technical glitch, the scene was a masterful use of the editing room to cover a minor production issue. This story teaches us that even with seasoned professionals, simple continuity issues can arise, but the true magic lies in creative problem-solving and the final editing process.

In conclusion, while Casablanca is celebrated for its impeccable continuity, the story behind the scene involving the band transition in the resistance movement serves as a fascinating insight into the challenges and creative solutions inherent in filmmaking.