Reliving a classic romance

Forever alone February was not the cynical mindset for the majority of the audience at the Aero Theatre on Valentine's evening.

Lovers, friends and families all attended a special showing of the classic romance film, “Casablanca.”

It was a full house; tickets sold out an hour before the film started. Manager Oliver Brink was not surprised by the excellent turnout.

"It's a Valentine's weekend—either a lot of couples, or serious film makers," Brink said.

With the array of typical Valentine's Day activities, in between meaningful Hallmark cards, roses, heart-shaped chocolates, and romantic dinners, people seemed to enjoy the 1942 wartime film.

The seats were filled with some first-timers, but mostly seasoned couples who have seen the movie more than once. Four-year couple Laura Denton and Gean Miller spent their third Valentine's Day together making dinner before heading to the theater. Denton had seen "Casablanca" five times, while Miller looked forward to his first time.

Couple Fran Goltarv and Jim Divine came to the theater not because it was a Hallmark holiday.

"We don't celebrate Valentine's Day on actual Valentine's Day because it's too crowded at restaurants," Goltarv said.

Jon Diaz, who had never seen the film, arranged plans for himself and girlfriend Mary Weise, who loves classic films.

"I thought it would be a fun and unique thing to do," Diaz said.

When entering the theater, movie-goers were able to enter a raffle. The first prize was tickets for the play "End of the Rainbow" and the second prize was tickets to the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Brink announced the names of two winners, who screamed with enthusiasm, shortly before the movie began.

"Taken" was not the only relationship status represented at the Aero. Matt Potynski, who is single, decided to see the movie with a few of his friends.

"I'm a little sentimental," Potynski said. "[It] beats sitting at home alone."

Rochelle Rosen, who has seen "Casablanca" 25 times, feels the romance classic is different compared to love stories today.

"Iconic scenes and lines bring back memories," Rosen said. "The story is a tightly knit story that all comes together."

Rosen was in attendance with her son Alon David, who was seeing the film for the first time.

An old love story seemed not only to ignite modern romantic love, but also to enable single people to experience a classic love story.