Utopia (noun): An imaginary place in which the government, laws, and social conditions are perfect. (Merriam-Webster.com)

Over the years I've talked about finding my Utopia which, for me, covers a lot of territory.  No violence, no illness, no confrontations, no egos. Doors remain unlocked, children happily play outside and life is lovely.

Pretty corny, isn't it? Well, that's just one version.

Another version is that I'd be able to enjoy watching classic movies all day, but seeing them the way they were meant to be seen.  In a clean, elegant theater with plush seats, an extra large screen, and a theatre filled with people who were quiet when the movie began. Everyone would be mesmerized, and it would never occur to anyone to quickly glance at their cell phone.

Oh, and Robert Osborne would introduce every film, sharing his golden nuggets of knowledge about the movie we were about to see.

This week, part of my second version came true thanks to my thoughtful son. After noticing a post on Facebook announcing Turner Classic Movies was offering free tickets for one night to see the classic film "Casablanca" in Manhattan, he quickly ordered two tickets and surprised me with them.

I was ecstatic.

I've always loved classic movies, ever since falling in love with "The Wizard of Oz" (didn't everyone?) My adoration grew into an obsession, and when TCM came onto the scene, I was overjoyed. Finally there would be a place to watch the films I loved.  A channel devoted to the preservation of classic movies for all to enjoy.

Now I'd have my first chance to watch a TCM film in a movie theatre.

We left the house early to get good seats (it was first-come first-serve), making sure we had enough time to enjoy an incredible Mexican meal at a restaurant directly across the street from Lincoln Center.

Then we scurried over to the theater, got into our choice seats, and waited an hour for the movie to begin.

The anticipation was exciting.

Once the movie began, I got chills when I first saw Humphrey Bogart light up the screen. He looked so dashing in his white tux and bowtie. I was immediately reminded why Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) fell in love with him, and why Lauren Bacall married him in real life.

He was breathtaking, and so was his sterling performance.

What I didn't anticipate was the feeling I got that I'd just stepped into a time machine, back into the year 1942. The audience's reactions to the movie were as if they were seeing it for the first time.

Claude Rains got the most laughs.

But when Rick (Bogart) sat down for a drink with the diabolical Nazi talking about the possibility of the Third Reich infiltrating Rick's hometown of New York City, Bogart responded:

"Well there are certain sections of New York, Major, that I wouldn't advise you to try to invade."

The audience cheered, and it gave me the chills.

At the end of the movie, Rick proclaimed to Louis (Rains) that "this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship", the music swelled, the movie ended and the lights came back on.

My son and I were speechless.  The only thing I could manage to say was, "Thanks for bringing me to my Utopia."

I hope that one day I'll be able to go to the TCM Film Festival, but in the meantime, I will cherish this magical night for the rest of my days.

What is your Utopia?

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