Saturday, September 17, 2011
Casablanca La Marseillaise
Definitely an unintended post.
Here, dedicated in gratitude to 'Pastor in Valle' for his current series on the history and character of the French, is one of my favourite filmic moments of all time. I must have seen it at least 100 times. It still brings me to my feet; it still makes me weep. And of course laugh, when Claude Rains in his final line of the clip, finds an excuse to close Rick's Cafe. And then has his 'winnings' handed to him by a passing waiter. Of course 'The Marseillaise' itself is part of the commemoration of that horrifically brutal Revolution. But it is a glorious tune and some of the words are truly inspiring. Oh yes Father, France must survive.
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9 comments:
Yes it is truly glorious but, as I watched it the Germans morphed into Catholics singing 'Shine Jesus shine' while the French (Catholics) sang 'Faith of our fathers' - was that too bad of me? On a Sunday?
I was never very keen on Dick Emery, but one of his catch phrases sticks in my memory. Something to do with liking naughty people!
A real weepy moment if ever there was one. Absolutely love the film for its understated tale of heroic personal sacrifice. I still think the greatest era of film-making was when the studios were stuffed with European émigrés.
Out of the bloodbath of revolution came the best national anthem of the lot. It would have to be a very bad version not to bring a tear to my eye, but I think it's also the way the French sing it; as if it's coursing through their veins.
Yes, agreed about the European emigres. And also about the way the French sing it - your description is perfect! We have it every year on November 11 in front of the War Memorial. All the names of the village fallen in both World Wars are read out. The children from the village primary school are always present and usually recite poetry in honour of the dead.
The adult French appreciate it when we appear wearing our Poppies AND the equivalent French token. Of course it's a secular event; the Church is not involved. Quand-meme.....
My sister who lives in France says the same about the appreciation of the village when she and her husband turn up wearing their poppies on November 11.
I was taken to see the memorial to Violette Szabo and my sis said there is a fresh posy of flowers placed there all year round.
Thank you for sharing this Genty.
btw, sorry no accents. Still haven't worked out how to do it with my English keyboard.
Ooh, you've caught me out cheating. I can't work it out on my pc either. I copy and paste words with accents off google.
Not really cheating, just shows admirable initiative if you ask me. Mac once told me how to do it, but it seemed rather complicated and I was too busy at the time to follow it up. I'll ask her again!
"Casablanca" is one of the most entertaining films ever made. Ingrid Bergman used to say that she preferred to forget it, but even she had to admit that she acted brilliantl in it, as did the whole cast.
The Marseillaise certainly is stirring. So is Rule Britannia.....
Mary Hoka2_99
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