Sunday, September 21, 2014

Halloween Party

For Halloween this year, I'm travelling halfway 'cross the country to attend a party given by my close friend Ashley.  It's a costume party and the theme is Dead Celebrities.

I gave that theme some thought.  I want to create a costume that's fun and interesting.  After days of pondering, I came up with my choice -- I'm going to dress up as The Best Actor Of All Time (Humphrey Bogart) as he appeared in His Masterpiece Movie.  If you don't immediately recognize him, you need to dive into cinematic history.


The character's name is Rick.  He owns a café in war-torn Casablanca.  Rick has painful memories of a woman he met in Paris (Ilsa) with whom he fell madly in love.  Ilsa disappeared suddenly, without warning or explanation.  Now Ilsa is waltzing back into Rick's life with a new man on her arm.  Not just any man, but the biggest war-hero with a big request for Rick.  Rick is torn by his bitterness toward Ilsa and his hidden morality.

What happens?  You'll have to see the movie to find out.  You've probably heard some of the many famous lines from the film, such as "...Here's looking at you, kid."  These are some of my favorites:

"Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine."

"Play it once, Sam. For old times' sake."

"I remember every detail. The Germans wore gray, you wore blue."

"Kiss me. Kiss me as if it were the last time."

"Go ahead and shoot. You'll be doing me a favor."

"Louie, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."


 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
Have you seen "Casablanca"?  What do you think of this idea for a costume?
 
The character of Rick resonates with me.  He's aging, weary and cynical, but privately sentimental and sincere.  He's lived a lot, seen a lot, and been betrayed by those close to him.  Yet he hasn't given up his innate trust and hope for love.
 
As the proprietor of Rick's Café American, Rick wears a white dinner jacket with shawl collar.  For my costume, I found a white dinner jacket with shawl collar.  And black bowtie.  The final touch are two Letters of Transit in my jacket-pocket, enabling people I choose to escape capture and fly to freedom.
 
After the purchase, I realized the white dinner jacket will be useful in my double-life as an international spy...

31 comments:

  1. Ha ha, I always knew you were a spy!!x

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  2. In researching this idea, I discovered a surprising fact. The year I was born (1957), Humphrey Bogart died and he was the exact age I am now. Hmm...

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  3. I had to watch and analyze the cinematography of Casablanca for an art class, which was kind of fun.
    I think you made a great choice! The dead celebrity I would want to dress as is Katharine Hepburn ... her menswear-inspired looks are timeless.

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    1. Good choice. We could go to the party together as stars of "The African Queen," a great film with Bogart and Hepburn.

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  4. YES!! I do hope we get to see pictures.

    (African Queen is my favourite Bogie film... probably because it also has Katherine Hepburn).

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    1. "The African Queen" is tied (with "To Have And Have Not") for my second-favorite Bogart film.

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  5. It's such a good movie and what a great theme for a Halloween party... Might have to steal that one day! I think your costume sounds perfect.

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  6. I can't wait to see how your outfit turns out! You're gonna be sooooo handsome!

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  7. Ooooh, I love mystery and intrigue!
    I'm sure you'll have so much fun at the party and meeting friends. Your costume is wonderful. The letters in your pocket is a perfect touch.

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  8. This absolutely sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun, and I love the theme. Can't wait to see the photos! :)

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  9. What a great movie - I really should watch it again. Please share pictures of your costume (and from the party if you can). You're going to look great!

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  10. This is a classic film and a classic outfit. Enjoy. This is the only love story I cry at. The scene in the bar when the Germans sing but the French sing louder, the final moments when he lets Ilsa go for the greater good..... Am getting behind the eye prickles as I type. Have a wonderful party. Bergman looks so stylish in this movie as well. The tailoring and shoulders.... ahhh.

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  11. "He's aging, weary and cynical" HA. Aren't we all?

    This is a great costume and I can't wait to see it! I was secretly hoping a lot of people would go with the old Hollywood theme, so I'm totally thrilled about your costume choice. I might be buying a floor-length prom dress for my costume, so we'll both be ridiculously dapper!

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    1. Go for it! There's nothing more fun than extreme glamour.

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  12. I LOVE this movie! Kyle and I always say the "Louie" line to Louie when he does something cute. I can't wait to see your costume! Yours are always fun :)

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  13. what a great post! that theme for a Halloween party sounds so much fun! I know it's so cliche, but I would probably go as Audrey Hepburn!

    styleandchocolates.blogspot.com

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    1. Audrey starred with Humphrey in a movie called "Sabrina."

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  14. I cannot wait to see pictures! I love your choice...such a classic character and actor! I once made a friend watch that movie. She has little patience for movies that don't involve action...she hated it, but I made her watch the whole thing!

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  15. you always pick the best characters and costumes. i need to get on mine stat! look forward to seeing pictures!

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  16. We do not celebrate halloween here in Germany and I sometimes think its sad. It sounds like so much fun to find a character, a costume and to prepare everything :)

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    1. It is fun. Lots of fun. Even if your country doesn't recognize Halloween, you can still have a costume party. Go for it!

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  17. Bogie is one of my FAVORITE actors of all time! I loved him in Key Largo. One of my favorites :) I think your costume idea is absolutely perfect.

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  18. Oh, wow this is a tough one!
    You'd have to play an all nighter game of charades with me and I would never ever guess what your costume was.. because… I have never seen Casablanca!

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