NUMBER 7 - PEOPLE & PLACES - 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF "CASABLANCA". The German Radio correspondent in Rabat alerted me to the 65th anniversary of the special premiere of "Casablanca" on November 26, 1942 at the Hollywood Theatre in New York. Plans were launched for a dinner to mark the occasion which coincided with the visit of Monika Henreid (one of Rick's best coming up). The Anniversary was celebrated with a Black & White menu, and guests were invited to come in black & white or period costumes. The anniversary was the catalyst for other events what will take place in 2008, marking the 65th anniversary of "Casablanca's" national launch in 1943, the year for which it won the Oscar for best film. We want to show visitors to Casablanca that there is a real spirit of the film in this City - one just has to know where and how to find it. NUMBER 7 - ADDITIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS AT RICK'S - LIGHTED WOOD CHEVALIER FOR HEADLINERS AND EVENTS. I found a nice Syrian style chevalier which we planted at the entrance and which allowed us to put a framed poster noting a special group or event, but the space was limited to one. We'd found a great woodworker in the Ancienne Medina, Hadj, and a vertical wood chevalier was designed with carved bands providing space for three frames. A light was fixed at the top and it found its natural place next to our champagne display at the entrance to the courtyard. Now, on a Saturday night there's room for Issam's poster, our Oyster night photo, and publicity for our Rick's Gear. |
