Today marks the centennial of Ingrid Bergman‘s birth.

Back in our college days, we attended a campus screening of Casablanca that was held in one of the larger lecture halls on campus. We’d seen that classic picture two or three times already by then—via broadcast television and on videotape.

But, as always, it’s an entirely different experience to see a movie on a large(ish) screen and with an appreciative audience.

But the thing we’ll always recall about our first projected viewing of Casablanca, easily one of our favorite pictures (perhaps our very favorite), was the audible gasp that was heard throughout the house when Ms. Bergman was first seen in close-up onscreen. We’re not sure a more beautiful presence has ever been seen on the silver screen than Ms. Bergman as she appeared in that classic picture.

Today marks her 100th birthday, and for movie buffs, it’s truly cause to celebrate. Ilsa Lund might be our favorite among her roles, but she gave us so many memorable performances in a legendary career.

Happy birthday, Ms. Bergman, wherever you may be.