CASABLANCA LACE-BUYING SCENE
- where
Ilsa is examining a napkin set which an Arab vendor is
endeavoring to sell. There is a sign on the counter by the
display which reads: "700 francs". From Ilsa's manner it is
apparent that she is aware of Rick's approach and is
pretending to be absorbed in the article to escape his
notice. ARAB Rick comes INTO
SHOT. RICK Ilsa takes a split
second to compose herself. When she turns to Rick, her
manner is politely formal. ILSA ARAB Reaching under the
counter, he takes out a sign reading: "200 francs" and
replaces the other sign with it. RICK ILSA ARAB He replaces the
second sign with a third which reads: "100 francs".
RICK ARAB ILSA ARAB There is a small
silence between Ilsa and Rick. She pretends to examine the
goods on the counter. RICK ILSA RICK She looks at him
quietly. ILSA RICK ILSA RICK ILSA RICK Ilsa shakes her
head. RICK ILSA Rick stares at
her. ILSA She walks away into
the cafe towards Laszlo and Ferrari. Rick stares after her
- then exits scene in the opposite direction. The Arab
rushes back, his arms loaded. He stops in consternation,
looks from side to side, anguished. He puts his burden
down on the counter, and, with a sad headshake, puts away
the sign "100 francs" and replaces it with the original,
"700 francs". CUT
TO:
146 MED. SHOT - A LINEN STALL
...You will not find a treasure like this in all Morocco,
Mademoiselle. Only seven hundred francs.
You're being cheated.
It doesn't matter, thank you.
Ah -- the lady is a friend of Rick's? For friends of Rick's
we have a small discount. Seven hundred francs, did I say?
You can have it for two hundred.
I'm sorry I was in no condition to receive visitors when you
called on me last night.
It doesn't matter.
Ah! For special friends of Rick's we have a special discount.
Your story left me a little confused. Or maybe it was the
Bourbon.
I have some tablecloths - some napkins --
Thank you. I'm really not interested.
Only one moment -- please.
(hurriedly exits)
Why did you come back? To tell me why you ran out on me at
the railway station?
(quietly)
Yes.
Well, you can tell me now. I'm reasonably sober.
I don't think I will, Rick.
Why not? After all, I was stuck with one railroad ticket.
I think I'm entitled to know.
(slowly)
Last night I saw what has happened to you. The Rick I knew
in Paris, I could tell him. He'd understand --
(pause, her eyes cloud)
But the Rick who looked at me with such hatred --
(shakes her head)
I'll be leaving Casablanca soon. We'll never see each other
again. We knew very little about each other when we were in
love in Paris. If we leave it that way, maybe we'll
remember those days -- not Casablanca -- not last night
--
(his voice low but
intense)
Did you run out on me because you couldn't take it? Because
you knew what it would be like -- hiding from the police --
running away all the time.
You can believe that if you want to.
Well, I'm not running away any more. I'm settled now --
above a saloon, it's true -- but --
(ironically)
Walk up a flight. I'll be expecting you.
All the same, someday -- you'll lie to Laszlo -- you'll be
there!
(tight-lipped)
No, Rick. You see, Victor Laszlo is my husband.
And was --
(pause)
Even when I knew you in Paris.