It is not a well known fact that "Algiers" was the inspiration for "Casablanca (1942)", which is very obvious in hindsight. The redolent, and very aromatic atmosphere of "Algiers" is echoed in "Casablanca". Pépé le Moko (Charles Boyer) is magnificent as the notorious jewel thief who is hiding from the French police in the Casbah area of Algiers. And who can forget the beautiful Hedy Lamarr, who made her American screen debut in "Algiers". Incidentally, the line "Come with me to the Casbah" was never spoken by Charles Boyer, it came instead from the movie trailer for "Algiers". Pepé Le Pew, the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoon character from Warner Bros. was derived from Charles Boyer's inimitable portrayal of Pépé le Moko. "Algiers" has withstood the test of time as it is just as potent and enjoyable today as it was in 1938.
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