Most often, we encounter novels brought to life in the silver screen, also known as film adaptations. On the other hand, certain films are transformed into the pages of a book, which in other words are called as novelizations. But, as far as I know and can remember, it’s only this time that I have encountered a novel written as a sequel to a motion picture, and a classic one for that matter.As Time Goes By, a novel written by Michael Walsh, generally illustrates the continuation of the events right after the conclusion of the 1942 classic flick, Casablanca (starred by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman; directed by Michael Curtiz). In this book, we would meet once again the unforgettable characters, Rick Blaine and Ilsa Lund among others, as they go on with their adventure at the birth of the Second World War. Along the run of the plot, several flashbacks occur within the chapters; flashbacks that involve the past lives of the main characters; especially Rick Blaine’s story, even before the events in Casablanca took place (As others who have read the book would call it, As Time Goes By is a sequel and a prequel, too, in a single book.)Personally speaking, I have utterly enjoyed consuming the novel. Since I am a huge fan of the Rick-Ilsa love-affair, for me there’s nothing more irresistible than the rekindling of their old flame, even in the context of a great war. Suspense, as well as atmospheric pressure, builds up thoroughly as the plot thickens. The essence of the original film is dutifully maintained by the author; it is very much obvious with Rick’s undying cynicism, Renault’s humor, along all the other bon mot brought by the characters in the story. I also found the book very much informative; with the detailed geographic descriptions of several settings; a whole lot of new vocabulary words as well as the usage of four different languages (Yiddish, French, German, and Russian!).The novel As Time Goes By is a very good read, especially for those who fell and remains in-love with Casablanca. For those who haven’t seen the film and/or read the novel, perhaps it’s about time you see for yourselves, too.
You know those Phantom of the Opera sequels written by 14 year old fan girls (or, in the case of Love Never Dies, Andrew Lloyd Webber), where in order to get Erik and Christine together, they retcon Raoul into a drunken abusive idiot? ...Yeah, meet Richard!Erik, Ilsa!Christine, and Victor!Raoul. To be fair, Walsh doesn't take it to quite that level, but he certainly gives Lazlo no inner emotional life, and makes him as unlikeable and unsympathetic as possible. Even with Paul Henreid's stiff acting in the movie Casablanca, you still got the sense that he genuinely loved Ilsa. In this book, it's like he barely even remembers she's around, much less his wife.Beyond that, the book just wasn't necessary. The movie works so phenomenally well on its own, with all of its mysteries, and to explain them by giving it both a sequel and a backstory (the book has flashbacks to Richard's former life) just strips the movie of all that makes it good. There was, in fact, only one thing in the whole book that I really felt rang true to the movie and enhanced my watching of it: if you recall, it's pointed out a couple of times that Rick ran guns and fought for 2 losing sides. In the book, he angrily explains it when someone asks him again -- he was hoping to get himself killed.
What do You think about As Time Goes By (1999)?
This novel is a prequel/sequel to the movie Casablanca. Starting where the movie left off, at the Casablanca airport, the story fleshes out the characters of Rick, Ilsa, Laszlo, Louis and Sam. While the movie covers only 3 days and two nights in Casablanca, this new story covers the years before the meeting in Africa and the involvement of these characters in WWII. Locations involve New York, Paris, Spain, London and Prague. What is so interesting is that this new story provides no descriptions of the lead characters. It isn't necessary! We can only picture Bogart, Bergman, Henreid, Rains and Wilson in their iconic roles. The author, a BU professor, has taken great pains to extract bits of information that are hinted at in the movie in order to expand the story. It is obvious that he has a great affection for the movie. The phrasing and dialog of the characters is also in keeping with the original cast.Overall, an appealing and satisfying story that answers all the questions of the movie and the one we often ask - "what happens after the film ends?" Time to pop the movie into the old DVD player and look for all those hints that were there all the time.
—Jack
