In the book “A Gentleman in Moscow” I read awhile back, the movie Casablanca played a part.  It was being used to teach the KGB spy chief about American language idiom and American spirit.   So last night, there was no more football on so I found the movie and put it on.  It’s a really great movie.  Sure, its famous, but if you watch in the context of the historical times it’s also more interesting.  The USA was not in the fight yet, but the sentiments were anti-fascist and Humphrey Bogart as Rick plays the role of the quintessential American; he’s independent, entrepreneurial, tough and determined good guy with a sentimental streak, that for unstated reasons cannot go back to America.   It also was clear that at even this early date in the war, the world knew about German concentration camps and brutality.

Why shouldn’t the world admire and strive to be like this American and this generation of Americans, looking after their own interests but so too willing to fight for fairness and decency.  Now I get why a KGB spy chief would want to learn about Americans through this lens.

Oh and by the way the movie is also a great love story with great music, and a great theme song “As Time Goes By” …. It’s worth another look… Here’s looking at you kid!