RICK has just witnessed the arrest of one of his many patrons by the Third Reich. He is approached by Captain RENAULT, who has been sitting at a table with Major STRASSER, and Strasser's aide, HEINZE. Renault asks Rick to join them at their table, which he does.
RENAULT. We are very honored tonight, Rick. Major Strasser is one of the reasons the Third Reich enjoys the reputation it has today.
STRASSER. You repeat Third Reich as though you expected there to be others.
RENAULT. Well, personally, Major, I will take what comes.
STRASSER. (to Rick) Do you mind if I ask you a few questions? Unofficially, of course.
RICK. Make it official if you like.
STRASSER. What is your nationality?
RICK. I'm a drunkard.
RENAULT. (laughing)That makes Rick a citizen of the world.
RICK. I was born in New York City if that'll help you any.
STRASSER. I understand you came here from Paris at the time of the occupation.
RICK. Well, there seems to be no secret about that.
STRASSER. Are you one of those people who cannot imagine the Germans in their beloved Paris?
RICK. It's not particularly my beloved Paris.
HEINZE. Can you imagine us in London?
RICK. When you get there, ask me.
RENAULT. Oh, diplomatist.
STRASSER. How about New York?
RICK. Well, there are certain sections of New York, major, that I wouldn't advise you to try to invade.
STRASSER. Mm-hmm. Who do you think will win the war?
RICK. I haven't the slightest idea.
RENAULT. Rick is completely neutral about everything. And that takes in the field of women, too.
STRASSER. You were not always so neutral.
He pulls out a little black book, and reads from it.
STRASSER. We have a complete dossier on you. "Richard Blaine, American. Age, thirty-seven. Cannot return to his country." The reason is a little vague. We also know what you did in Paris, Mr. Blaine, and also we know why you left Paris.
Rick takes the book from him and glances at it.
STRASSER. Don't worry. We're not going to broadcast it.
RICK. Um, are my eyes really brown?
Strasser takes the book back.
STRASSER. You will forgive my curiosity, Mr. Blaine. The point is, an enemy of the Reich has come to Casablanca, and we are checking up on anyone who can be of any help to us.
RICK. Well, my interest in whether Victor Laszlo stays or goes is purely a sporting one.
STRASSER. In this case, you have no sympathy for the fox, huh?
RICK. Not particularly. I understand the point of view of the hound, too.
STRASSER. Victor Laszlo published the foulest lies in the Prague newspapers until the very day we marched in. And even after that, he continued to print scandal sheets in the cellar.
RENAULT. One has to admit, he has great courage.
STRASSER. I admit, he's very clever. Three times he slipped through our fingers. In Paris, he continued his activities. We intend not to let it happen again.
Rick gets up from his seat.
RICK. Er, you'll excuse me, gentlemen? Your business is politics. Mine is running a saloon.
STRASSER. Good evening, Mr. Blaine.
Rick leaves. Strasser watches him go warily.
RENAULT. You see, Major, you have nothing to worry about Rick.
STRASSER. Perhaps.