The theme for today's Advent was all up to fate. Its thanks to that pop culture random generator that we look at Christmas ornaments devoted to the classic 1942 anti-Nazi picture Casablanca.
The Warner Bros. film starred Humphrey Bogart as American ex-pat Rick Blaine, who owned a night club in Casablanca. Set during World War II, the Moroccan city had just become property of the Nazis. As a result, Rick's Cafe Americain has become a sort of neutral territory in which French, Germans and refuges can use as long as there isn't any trouble. Things seem to be going great until old flame Ilsa, played by Ingrid Bergman, comes through the door with her husband, a Czech resistance leader on the run from the Nazis.
Although Rick and Ilsa don't end up together, Casablanca has endured the decades as a romance classic. Collectible plates, dolls, and prints have been issued over the years. And yes, even some Christmas ornaments. I've only been able to find 4. But it's better than nothing I guess. Let's take a quick look...
First up is this pair of polonaise glass ornaments from Kurt Adler. They're busts of both Bogart as Rick and Bergman as Ilsa. The Ilsa ornament is a pretty good likeness. But the Rick ornament looks more like a sad clown without their makeup. The pair are from 1999 and they're considered rather collectible and not at all cheap!
Hallmark has an interesting set of 3; but only 1 is an ornament! Of the 3 pieces, the ornament is a representation of the theatrical poster. The other two pieces are figurines of Rick and Ilsa. Not sure why Hallmark did it like this. You can't hang Rick or Ilsa on the tree and unless you have an ornament hanger, you can't put the ornament with the figurines. From 1997.
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The last ornament isn't an official Casablanca ornament. But it is an officially licensed product. Titled 'Play It Again, Sam', a line that actually isn't from the film, this 1999 ornament was officially licensed by the Humphrey Bogart estate and produced by Charlton Cards. It has Bogie in his white tux from the movie standing in an archway with a beaded curtain that looks perfect for Morocco. But instead of paying homage to Cafe Americain, the ornament spells out the actor's name.
Well that's all I've got for Casablanca, the movie. However, when it comes to Casablanca, the city, I've got more to share. As my Advent present for you today, here's an interesting look at celebrating Christmas in a predominantly Muslim country. It's about 18 minutes long and might make you a little hungry.
Enjoy!
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