The absolute epitome of constantly-moving, always-witty, forever-gripping film-making, the kind only Golden Age Hollywood could have produced. Acting, writing, directing and music are all peak, not to mention the cinematography. As good as Bogart and Bergman are, the supporting cast are, for me, just as strong. I love it.

Michael Curtiz was a prolific and much respected director working in Hollywood; at first glance he seems more of a craftsman (and an excellent one even if he merely is so) than an artist, but dig deeper and you see a distinctive visual style of crammed, busy frames and glorious monochrome lighting if not striking Technicolor.

Casablanca is amazing, though my favourite Curtiz film will always be, I imagine, The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938).