This is a production still of one of my favorite sets from one of my favorite movies: Rick’s Café Américain from “Casablanca” (1942). I love how those two lights at the top of the photo cast those frond-like shadows against the wall. And take a look at the chalkboard on the seat. It spells the movie as two words: “Casa Blanca” – I’ve never seen it spelled that way before.
Everett said: “They often used what was referred to as a ‘gobo’ which was a pattern placed over fresnel lights that created patterns. Scenes that were shot in studio that were supposed to be outdoor locations would often contain shots where gobos where used to create leaf patterns on the actors faces as they walked beneath the faux trees. Just part of the incredible craft that was put into these classic films. Gobos, by the way are still used in movies and still photography.”
I’ve always thought the front of Rick’s Café Américain was pretty spectacular, too:
I never tire of watching “Casablanca” – or Casa Blanca” if you will. Love always, L&M
why is Ricks Cafe Americain spelled Americain and not American????
Because at the time, Casablanca lay in what was then known as French Morocco, and “Americain” is French for “American.”