Force Material Episode XLIV: Casablanca
Of all the podcasts on all the topics in all the world... you've walked into ours. This week, we explore how Casablanca has influenced Star Wars!
We begin this week's episode with a look at the Star Wars headlines and an update on Baz's Clone Wars rewatch (00:01:05), before we move on to our feature presentation (00:08:26) — our breakdown of the 1942 classic Casablanca!
We share a Casablanca confession (00:12:41); we offer up a brief refresher on the plot and the political situation at the time (00:17:31); and we take a look at the influence of Rick Blaine and Rick's Cafe on Han Solo and the Cantina (00:20:47).
We look at neutrality and isolationism in Casablanca and Star Wars (00:29:32); the journey of Rick Blaine's suit to Canto Bight (00:36:00); Sydney Greenstreet's influence on Jabba the Hutt (00:37:00); and the influence of Casablanca on the plot of Solo: A Star Wars Story (00:44:40).
We break down the development and production of Casablanca (00:50:58); the timeliness of its release (01:11:25); the importance of the refugees and exiles that make up its international cast (01:14:05); and the film's initial response and enduring legacy (01:21:32).
We take a look at the plot holes in Casablanca (01:33:19); attempts to revive the 'franchise', including a failed TV show starring David Soul, Scatman Crothers and Ray Liotta (01:42:48); and the controversial colourisation of Casablanca, and the young director who took the fight against altering classic films to Congress (01:46:25).
Finally, we debate what's more loved (01:53:19) — Casablanca or Citizen Kane?
Force Material is a podcast exploring the secrets and source material of Star Wars with hosts Rohan Williams and Baz McAlister. Listen and subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Stitcher, PlayerFM and Castro; stay in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; and support the show by browsing our range of shirts, hoodies, kids apparel, mugs and more at TeePublic.
