41 Facts About The Movie Casablanca

The film was directed by Michael Curtiz.

Michael Curtiz, a Hungarian-American director, was responsible for bringing the captivating story of Casablanca to life on the silver screen.

“Casablanca” was based on a stage play.

The movie was adapted from the unproduced play “Everybody Comes to Rick’s” by Murray Burnett and Joan Alison.

Humphrey Bogart starred as Rick Blaine.

Bogart’s portrayal of the brooding and mysterious Rick Blaine has become iconic, cementing his status as a Hollywood legend.

Ingrid Bergman played the role of Ilsa Lund.

Bergman’s captivating performance as Ilsa, Rick’s former lover, added depth and emotional intensity to the film.

“Play it again, Sam” is never said in the movie.

The famous line often attributed to Casablanca is actually a misquote. The actual line is “Play it, Sam. Play ‘As Time Goes By’.”

“Casablanca” was not expected to be a major success.

The film was produced on a modest budget and was initially considered just another wartime propaganda film.

It won three Academy Awards.

“Casablanca” took home the Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay at the 16th Academy Awards.

The movie was filmed in black and white.

The decision to film in black and white was made to enhance the atmospheric and dramatic elements of the story.

The famous song “As Time Goes By” became a theme for the film.

The song, performed by Dooley Wilson as Sam, became inseparable from the romantic essence of “Casablanca.”

The final script was not completed before filming began.

The constantly evolving script meant that some scenes were filmed without having a finalized version.

Casablanca’s Theatrical Release Date was November 26, 1942.

The film was released during the height of World War II and provided a much-needed escape for audiences.

Bogart’s trench coat from the film was sold at an auction.

In 2012, Rick’s iconic trench coat was sold for a whopping $600,000 at an auction in New York City.

Claude Rains played the role of Captain Louis Renault.

Rains’ performance as the morally ambiguous Renault added depth and complexity to the story.

The movie’s budget was around $1 million.

Considering the film’s enduring popularity and impact, it’s impressive that it was made on a relatively modest budget.

The line “Here’s looking at you, kid” is ranked 5th on AFI’s list of top 100 movie quotes.

This timeless line spoken by Bogart’s character has become one of the most memorable quotes in cinematic history.

Bergman was pregnant during the filming of Casablanca.

The actress’s pregnancy had to be hidden, and creative camera angles were used to avoid showing her growing belly.

The film was originally intended to be filmed entirely on a Hollywood soundstage.

However, due to the war effort, the decision was made to film some scenes on location in Casablanca, Morocco.

Dooley Wilson, who played Sam, couldn’t actually play the piano.

Wilson’s piano playing scenes were performed by a pianist hidden behind him, while he mimicked the action.

“Casablanca” has been ranked as one of the greatest films of all time by numerous critics.

The movie consistently appears on lists of the best films ever made, highlighting its lasting impact.

“La Marseillaise” scene was a genuine act of patriotism.

The emotional scene where patrons at Rick’s Café Américain sing the French national anthem was a heartfelt expression of support for the war effort.

The film’s release coincided with the Casablanca Conference.

The famous conference between Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt took place while the film was in theaters.

“Here’s looking at you, kid” was Bogart’s ad-lib.

The memorable line was not originally in the script but was improvised by Bogart during filming.

The movie’s soundtrack became incredibly popular.

The soundtrack featuring songs like “As Time Goes By” and “Knock on Wood” became a best-selling album at the time.

There are several versions of the script’s ending floating around.

The ending of “Casablanca” went through multiple revisions, with different versions considering different fates for the characters.

The movie was so successful that it was re-released in 1952 and 1967.

The enduring popularity of “Casablanca” led to its re-release, allowing new generations to experience the magic on the big screen.

Peter Lorre almost played the role of Ugarte.

While he was considered for the part, Lorre’s scheduling conflicts prevented him from taking on the role.

The famous airport scene was filmed at Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles.

The illusion of the Casablanca airport was created using miniatures and clever camera angles.

The movie’s title refers to the city of Casablanca in Morocco.

Set during World War II, the film takes place in the Moroccan city that served as a hub for refugees and spies.

The role of Victor Laszlo was played by Paul Henreid.

Henreid’s portrayal of the Polish resistance leader added depth and intensity to the film.

The line “Round up the usual suspects” is ranked 32nd on AFI’s list of top 100 movie quotes.

This memorable line, spoken by Renault, has become a classic example of witty dialogue.

“Casablanca” was not originally intended to be a romance.

The initial script focused more on the political and wartime aspects of the story.

The film’s famous final line underwent revisions.

The iconic line “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship” was not the original ending line.

The film’s success boosted Humphrey Bogart’s career.

Bogart became a leading man in Hollywood after his outstanding performance in “Casablanca.”

The film’s screenplay was written by Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, and Howard Koch.

The three writers worked together to create a script that would captivate audiences and stand the test of time.

Casablanca’s running time is 102 minutes.

The film manages to pack a gripping story and memorable characters into just over an hour and a half.

The famous “rain” in the film was actually made from a fire hose.

To create the illusion of rain, a fire hose was used to spray water in front of the camera.

Dooley Wilson’s singing voice was dubbed.

Despite giving a stellar performance as Sam, Wilson’s singing voice was provided by a vocalist named Ray Eberle.

The film’s production was rushed.

The movie was made quickly due to the urgent need to release a film that would boost morale during the war.

The famous roulette scene was not shot in the actual casino.

The exhilarating scene featuring Rick’s rigged roulette table was filmed on a specially constructed set.

“Casablanca” was added to the National Film Registry in 1989.

The film’s cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance led to its inclusion in the registry, preserving it for future generations.

The movie’s popularity was boosted by its frequent television airings.

In the 1950s, “Casablanca” became a staple on television, introducing new audiences to its captivating story and characters.

There you have it, The 41 Facts about the movie Casablanca! This beloved film continues to enchant viewers with its timeless romance, compelling performances, and unforgettable scenes. Whether it’s your first time watching or the hundredth, “Casablanca” never fails to leave a lasting impression.

Conclusion

Casablanca is undoubtedly an iconic film that has left an indelible mark on cinema history. With its memorable characters, legendary quotes, and timeless story of love and sacrifice, it has captivated audiences for decades. From its inception to its enduring popularity, it is evident that Casablanca has become a classic that stands the test of time. Whether you are a film enthusiast or simply someone looking for a great movie to watch, Casablanca is a must-see that showcases the brilliance of its cast and crew. So, grab a bowl of popcorn, settle into your favorite spot on the couch, and prepare to be swept away by the magic of Casablanca.

FAQs

1. Who directed the movie Casablanca?

Michael Curtiz directed the movie Casablanca, which was released in 1942.

2. Who were the main characters in Casablanca?

The main characters in Casablanca were Rick Blaine (played by Humphrey Bogart), Ilsa Lund (played by Ingrid Bergman), and Captain Louis Renault (played by Claude Rains).

3. Where was Casablanca filmed?

Although the movie is set in Casablanca, Morocco, most of the filming took place in Hollywood, California.

4. What is the famous quote from Casablanca?

Here’s looking at you, kid” is one of the most famous quotes from Casablanca.

5. Did Casablanca win any Academy Awards?

Yes, Casablanca won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

6. What is the running time of the movie Casablanca?

The running time of Casablanca is approximately 1 hour and 42 minutes.

7. Is Casablanca in black and white?

Yes, Casablanca is a black and white film, adding to its classic and timeless appeal.

8. Does Casablanca have a happy ending?

The ending of Casablanca is bittersweet, leaving viewers with a sense of sacrifice and the complexities of love.

9. What makes Casablanca such a beloved film?

Casablanca is beloved for its compelling storytelling, unforgettable characters, and its ability to evoke powerful emotions.

10. Can Casablanca be considered a romantic film?

Yes, Casablanca has elements of romance and is considered one of the greatest love stories in cinematic history.