As Time Goes By (novel)

As Time Goes By is a novel written by American author Michael Walsh, intended as a prequel/sequel to the film Casablanca. It was published in 1998. The book alternates between Rick's life in America before the plot of the movie, and the time just as the plane leaves Casablanca at the end of the film.

Plot

1931-35

Yitzik "Rick" Baline is a small-time New York criminal during the time of Prohibition. He meets and falls in love with Lois, daughter of Solly Horowitz, a big-time gangster and becomes a favorite of Solly. He eventually becomes Boss of the 'Tootsie-Wootsie' Club, a speakeasy. He is viewed with extreme disfavor by Tick-Tock, Solly's principal assistant, who plans to be the heir to Solly's businesses if he should retire or be killed.

Solly makes it clear that Lois is intended for better things, and she eventually marries a lawyer and would-be politician, Robert Meredith, whom she does not really love.

Warfare erupts between the Horowitz, Salucci and O'Hanlon gangs and there are several deaths. Solly and Tick-Tock are killed, as are Lois and her husband, now exposed as a corrupt politician. Rick must flee America. He takes Solly's money, half a million dollars, probably intended for Lois, and travels to Boston with Sam. While the two are purchasing tickets for a steamship to Le Harve, Rick changes his name to Richard Blaine.

1941-42

Rick, Louis and Sam leave Casablanca with documents provided by Louis. They all travel via Lisbon to London. America has now entered WW2 and they track down Victor, who is keen to resume his part in the work of the Czech Resistance. Ilse begs him to allow her to assist him, and Rick and Louis also become involved.

Ilse, who speaks perfect Russian, is placed in Prague as an assistant to Reinhard Heydrich, the 'Butcher of Prague'. Her cover is as a White Russian, and she gains his confidence to the point where he wants her to become his mistress.

The plot to assassinate Heydrich (Operation Anthropoid) goes ahead, despite last-minute delays and great risks. The latter is killed by Victor, but Victor dies in the act. Shortly before he assassinates Heydrich, Victor, convinced that Louis is a traitor, kills him.

With North Africa once again in Allied hands, Ilse and Rick marry and return to Casablanca with Sam, who has remained in London. Rick's Club is still operating.

References