Casablanca (1942)
Overview: "Here's Looking At You, Kid"
Synopsis
In the Vichy-controlled Moroccan city of Casablanca during World War II, American expatriate Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) runs a popular nightclub. Rick's carefully neutral existence is upended when his former lover, Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman), arrives in Casablanca with her husband, Czech resistance leader Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid). The couple needs letters of transit to escape to America, and these letters have fallen into Rick's hands. As Rick grapples with his still-burning love for Ilsa and his own buried idealism, he must decide whether to help the couple escape or keep Ilsa with him in Casablanca.
Setting
Casablanca, Morocco, December 1941, where European refugees seek passage to America to escape Nazi occupation
Conflict
A love triangle set against political intrigue, where personal desires clash with moral duty during wartime
Theme
The painful choice between personal happiness and doing what's right in a world at war
Cast & Characters
Humphrey Bogart as Rick Blaine
Bogart's portrayal of the cynical, world-weary expatriate with a hidden heart transformed his career from tough-guy roles to romantic leading man. Rick's journey from bitter neutrality ("I stick my neck out for nobody") to moral reawakening represents the film's central character arc.
Ingrid Bergman as Ilsa Lund
Bergman's luminous performance as the conflicted Ilsa created one of cinema's most memorable heroines. Her portrayal balances vulnerability and strength, creating a woman torn between two loves but ultimately clear-eyed about where her duty lies.
Paul Henreid as Victor Laszlo
Henreid's resistance leader could have been a thankless role, but his dignified portrayal creates a genuinely heroic figure whose courage and commitment make him worthy of both Ilsa's love and Rick's sacrifice.
Claude Rains as Captain Louis Renault
Rains delivers perhaps the film's most delightful performance as the opportunistic, corrupt but ultimately redeemable French police captain. His witty banter with Rick provides much of the film's humor, culminating in one of cinema's most famous closing lines.
In-Depth Review: A Perfect Film
It's rare for a film cobbled together under the Hollywood studio system to achieve perfection, but Casablanca did just that. What began as a modest Warner Bros. production based on an unproduced play called "Everybody Comes to Rick's" emerged as cinema's defining romantic drama.
The film's greatness lies in how it balances seemingly contradictory elements. It's both politically engaged and romantically swooning. It's cynical about human nature yet ultimately idealistic. It's filled with deeply serious themes but leavened with genuine wit. These contrasts create a rich, complex viewing experience that rewards repeated viewings.
Much of Casablanca's enduring appeal comes from its central love story. Rick and Ilsa's romance avoids simplistic resolutions, instead offering a bittersweet meditation on love, sacrifice, and doing the right thing in an imperfect world. Their farewell on the foggy tarmac stands as one of cinema's most moving moments, precisely because the film refuses the easy happy ending.
Why It Works: The Perfect Script
Screenwriters Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, and Howard Koch crafted one of Hollywood's most quotable screenplays. From "Here's looking at you, kid" to "We'll always have Paris" to "Round up the usual suspects," the film offers a masterclass in memorable dialogue. Yet beneath the quotable lines lies a tightly constructed moral drama about a man rediscovering his lost idealism in a cynical world.
Michael Curtiz's direction strikes the perfect balance between style and substance. His camera moves with fluid grace through Rick's crowded café, capturing both intimate moments between characters and the broader social canvas of wartime Casablanca. The now-iconic "La Marseillaise" scene exemplifies his ability to merge personal drama with political consciousness, as close-ups of tearful faces convey the emotional power of resistance in a way speechmaking never could.
While not groundbreaking in its visual technique, Casablanca demonstrates classical Hollywood filmmaking at its apex. Each element—from Max Steiner's evocative score to Arthur Edeson's atmospheric cinematography—serves the story with elegant precision.
Visual Analysis: Film Noir in Exotic Clothing
Casablanca occupies an interesting visual space between the exotic adventure films of the 1930s and the shadowy film noir style emerging in the 1940s. The film's visual identity might best be described as "glamorous noir," where the stark lighting contrasts characteristic of film noir are deployed in a setting of exotic intrigue.
Lighting & Shadow
Cinematographer Arthur Edeson, who had previously shot The Maltese Falcon, brings noir-influenced lighting to Casablanca. Rick is frequently photographed in shadow, particularly in the film's first half, visualizing his moral ambiguity. The famous flashback to Paris uses softer, more romantic lighting to contrast with the harsh realities of Casablanca.
Set Design & Space
Rick's Café Américain stands as one of cinema's most memorable locations—a microcosm of the wartime world with its mix of refugees, occupiers, criminals, and opportunists. The set design creates distinct areas within the café (the main floor, the gambling room, Rick's office) that serve different dramatic functions. The contrast between the crowded, social spaces and Rick's private upstairs apartment reflects his isolation.
Iconic Scenes
The visual composition of several scenes has become iconic: Rick drinking alone after hours, the flashback to rain-soaked Paris, the "La Marseillaise" sequence, and especially the fog-shrouded airport finale. This last scene uses the interplay of light, shadow, and mist to create a liminal space appropriate for the film's bittersweet resolution.
While often celebrated for its script and performances, Casablanca's visual design plays an equal role in its emotional impact. The film demonstrates that even within the constraints of studio filmmaking, thoughtful visual storytelling could achieve both beauty and depth.
Thematic Analysis: Personal & Political
Casablanca resonates across decades because it speaks to fundamental human dilemmas through the specific lens of its wartime setting. Its exploration of love, sacrifice, and moral awakening in a world of conflict makes it both of its moment and timeless.
Neutrality vs. Commitment
Rick's journey from cynical neutrality ("I stick my neck out for nobody") to moral reengagement mirrors the journey America itself was making in 1942 as it entered World War II. The film suggests that in times of moral crisis, fence-sitting becomes its own form of cowardice. As Laszlo tells Rick: "Each of us has a destiny—for good or for evil."
Sacrifice & Redemption
The film's central dilemma asks what we're willing to sacrifice for greater causes. Rick ultimately sacrifices his chance at happiness with Ilsa because he recognizes something more important is at stake. Yet this sacrifice also becomes his redemption, restoring his lost idealism and moral purpose.
Patriotism vs. Cynicism
Made during the height of World War II, Casablanca naturally contains elements of wartime propaganda. However, its approach to patriotism feels earned rather than forced because it acknowledges the appeal of Rick's initial cynicism. When characters sing "La Marseillaise" to drown out Nazi officers, the film presents patriotism not as blind nationalism but as a form of resistance against tyranny.
Romantic Love vs. Higher Love
The love triangle between Rick, Ilsa, and Victor becomes a testing ground for different kinds of love. The film contrasts romantic passion with more mature forms of love based on respect, commitment, and shared values. Rick's final choice suggests that sometimes loving someone means letting them go—putting their needs above one's desires.
Production History: From B-Movie to Classic
Casablanca's journey from modest wartime drama to cinematic landmark demonstrates how sometimes the most enduring art emerges from commercial rather than explicitly artistic intentions.
Origins
The film began as an unproduced play called "Everybody Comes to Rick's" by Murray Burnett and Joan Alison. Warner Bros. purchased the rights in January 1942 for $20,000—a record sum at the time for an unproduced play—and assigned it initially as a vehicle for Ronald Reagan and Ann Sheridan.
Scripting Challenges
The Epstein twins and Howard Koch worked on the screenplay, often writing scenes just before they were shot. The famous ending—with Rick sending Ilsa away with Victor—wasn't finalized until late in production, creating anxiety for the actors who didn't know how their characters' story would resolve.
Casting Decisions
Humphrey Bogart wasn't the first choice for Rick—George Raft was considered before him. Ingrid Bergman was borrowed from David O. Selznick's company and initially had doubts about the film. The supporting cast included many actual European refugees, adding authenticity to the émigré community portrayed in Rick's café.
Production & Release
Shooting began on May 25, 1942, and finished on August 3, with a modest budget for a Warner Bros. film. The film was rushed into release to capitalize on the Allied invasion of North Africa, premiering at the Hollywood Theater in New York City on November 26, 1942. While commercially successful, few involved predicted its eventual status as a defining classic.
"As Time Goes By"
The song "As Time Goes By" was nearly cut from the film. After filming was completed, producer Hal Wallis considered replacing it with a new song that Warner Bros. would own the rights to. However, Ingrid Bergman had already cut her hair short for her next role in For Whom the Bell Tolls, making reshoots impossible—thus preserving one of cinema's most famous musical moments.
Performance Analysis: Character Through Acting
Casablanca showcases acting that balances the stylized approach of studio-era Hollywood with moments of genuine emotional truth. The ensemble creates a credible world where each character, no matter how small the role, feels fully realized.
Bogart's Transformation
Humphrey Bogart's performance as Rick Blaine marked a pivotal shift in his career from supporting gangster roles to romantic leading man. What makes his work remarkable is how he maintains his tough-guy persona while revealing layers of vulnerability beneath. Watch how he uses his physicality—the way he holds himself apart in crowds, his controlled movements when serving drinks, and the subtle changes when he's alone with Ilsa—to convey Rick's emotional armor and its cracks.
Bergman's Luminous Presence
Ingrid Bergman reportedly felt uncertain about her performance, not knowing which man her character would end up with. This uncertainty translates into a compelling portrayal of a woman torn between two loves. Bergman's technique relied on emotional transparency—her face registers every conflicted feeling, particularly in the Paris flashback sequences where her joy feels untainted by the complications to come.
Supporting Cast Excellence
The film's supporting cast creates a rich tapestry of characters that make Casablanca feel like a fully realized world. Claude Rains steals nearly every scene as the cheerfully corrupt Captain Renault, delivering lines with impeccable timing. Sydney Greenstreet's Ferrari, Peter Lorre's Ugarte, and Dooley Wilson's Sam each make distinctive impressions with limited screen time. Even minor characters like S.Z. Sakall's Carl and Leonid Kinskey's Sascha contribute to the café's atmosphere of cosmopolitan exile.
Scene Analysis: "La Marseillaise"
The famous scene where patrons of Rick's café sing "La Marseillaise" to drown out Nazi officers demonstrates the film's ability to blend political statement with emotional character moments. Watch how the camera moves from the German officers to Victor Laszlo's commanding presence, then captures the faces of café patrons—many played by actual European refugees—as they join in, many with tears in their eyes. The scene works as both rousing propaganda and character development, as we see Rick's first tacit act of resistance in allowing the singing to continue.
Cultural Impact & Legacy
Few films have embedded themselves in cultural consciousness as completely as Casablanca. Its dialogue, characters, and situations have become shorthand for romantic sacrifice and moral choice, referenced and parodied countless times across all forms of media.
Critical Reappraisal
While successful on release and an Academy Award winner for Best Picture, Casablanca's reputation has only grown over decades. Initially seen as excellent entertainment, it's now regularly cited as one of the greatest films ever made. Its first major reappraisal came when French critics in the 1950s began analyzing Hollywood genre films with newfound seriousness. By the time of its 50th anniversary in 1992, the film's classic status was unquestionable.
Quotable Legacy
Casablanca may be the most quoted film in cinema history. Lines like "Here's looking at you, kid," "We'll always have Paris," "Round up the usual suspects," and the misquoted "Play it again, Sam" have entered everyday speech. Even those who haven't seen the film often recognize its famous dialogue, demonstrating its permeation of popular culture.
Influence on Filmmakers
Countless filmmakers have drawn inspiration from Casablanca's perfect balance of romance, politics, and moral dilemma. Its influence can be seen in films as diverse as The Third Man, Star Wars (particularly the Mos Eisley Cantina), Woody Allen's Play It Again, Sam, and the ending of La La Land. Its enduring lesson for filmmakers is how to infuse genre entertainment with genuine emotional and moral weight.
Wartime Context & Modern Relevance
Made during World War II, Casablanca naturally served as wartime propaganda, encouraging American commitment to the Allied cause. What's remarkable is how well it transcends these circumstantial origins. Its themes of moral choice in times of crisis, personal sacrifice for greater causes, and finding purpose in a chaotic world continue to resonate in entirely different historical contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was "Casablanca" based on a true story?
No, Casablanca was not based on specific true events, though it was inspired by the general situation of European refugees fleeing Nazi occupation. The film was adapted from an unproduced play called "Everybody Comes to Rick's" by Murray Burnett and Joan Alison. Burnett was inspired to write the play after a trip to Europe in 1938, where he witnessed the plight of refugees trying to escape Nazi persecution.
Was "As Time Goes By" written for the film?
No, "As Time Goes By" was not written for Casablanca. The song was composed by Herman Hupfeld in 1931 for the Broadway musical Everybody's Welcome. It was chosen for Casablanca because it was already included in the original stage play "Everybody Comes to Rick's." The song became so strongly associated with the film that it experienced a major revival in popularity after Casablanca's release.
Does Rick actually say "Play it again, Sam" in the movie?
No, "Play it again, Sam" is one of cinema's most famous misquoted lines. In the film, Rick says to Sam, "You played it for her, you can play it for me. Play it!" Earlier, Ilsa says to Sam, "Play it, Sam. Play 'As Time Goes By.'" The misquote became further cemented in popular culture when Woody Allen used it as the title for his 1972 film Play It Again, Sam.
Why does Rick help Victor and Ilsa escape at the end?
Rick's decision to help Victor and Ilsa escape while staying behind himself represents his moral reawakening. He recognizes that Victor's work in the resistance movement is crucial to fighting the Nazis, making his survival more important than Rick's personal happiness. Rick also understands that Ilsa, despite her feelings for him, shares Victor's commitment to the cause and would eventually regret choosing personal happiness over duty. His sacrifice demonstrates his growth from cynical neutrality to moral engagement.
How was "Casablanca" received when it was first released?
While now considered one of the greatest films ever made, Casablanca's initial reception was positive but not extraordinary. It performed well at the box office and received good reviews, with critics praising its entertainment value and topical relevance. It won three Academy Awards (Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay) but was generally viewed as excellent mainstream entertainment rather than an instant classic. Its reputation grew significantly over subsequent decades through television broadcasts and revival screenings.