“Casablanca” is a 1942 American romantic drama set during World War II and directed by Michael Curtiz. It centers around a man who must choose between his love and helping her and her Czech Resistance leader husband escape the city of Casablanca to continue fighting against the Nazis.
It was on this day, November 26, 1942, that the movie “Casablanca” starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman had its world premiere. The cast was notable for its internationalism because it only had three credited U.S. born actors out of the entire crew. The movie, although featuring famous stars and A-list writers, was not meant to be anything out of the ordinary, but exceeded everyone’s expectations.
On the film’s 50th anniversary, the Los Angeles Times called “Casablanca” a “near-perfect entertainment balance” of comedy, romance, and suspense. The film has won three Academy Awards, including one for Best Picture and is arguably one of the greatest films of all time.