CasablancaCasablanca

A Classic Hollywood Film with A Classic Hollywood Film with an Un-Classic Endingan Un-Classic Ending

CasablancaCasablanca

Director, Michael Curtiz was born in Director, Michael Curtiz was born in Budapest, Hungary in the late 1800s.Budapest, Hungary in the late 1800s.

He left Hungary in 1919 because of He left Hungary in 1919 because of political unrest.political unrest.

In 1926, the head of Warner Brothers In 1926, the head of Warner Brothers in Burbank, California asked him to in Burbank, California asked him to come to Hollywoodcome to Hollywood

CasablancaCasablanca

Released in 1942Released in 1942 Immediate successImmediate successNominated for eight Oscars and won Nominated for eight Oscars and won

three.three.Casablanca became a legend Casablanca became a legend

because of its two leading actors.because of its two leading actors.Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid BergmanHumphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman

Plot Overview of CasablancaPlot Overview of Casablanca

Film opens with an image of a spinning globe Film opens with an image of a spinning globe and the sounds of “La Marseillaise,” the and the sounds of “La Marseillaise,” the French national anthem.French national anthem.

A voiceover explains the significance of the A voiceover explains the significance of the city of Casablanca in French-ruled Morocco.city of Casablanca in French-ruled Morocco.

During WWII, many people wanted to escape During WWII, many people wanted to escape Europe for America, and Lisbon, Portugal, Europe for America, and Lisbon, Portugal, became the most popular port of exit.became the most popular port of exit.

Getting to Lisbon was not easy.Getting to Lisbon was not easy.

PlotPlot

A torturous refugee path brought people to A torturous refugee path brought people to Casablanca where they could search for an exit visa Casablanca where they could search for an exit visa for Portugal.for Portugal.

As narrator finishes description, French police As narrator finishes description, French police announce over the radio the murder of two German announce over the radio the murder of two German officers and the murderer is headed for Casablanca.officers and the murderer is headed for Casablanca.

Shortly thereafter, an important German officer, Shortly thereafter, an important German officer, Major Strasser, arrives at the Casablanca airport Major Strasser, arrives at the Casablanca airport and is greeted by the local French commander, and is greeted by the local French commander, Captain Louis Renault.Captain Louis Renault.

Strasser asks about the couriers, and Louis says Strasser asks about the couriers, and Louis says that the murderer, like everyone else, will be at that the murderer, like everyone else, will be at Rick’s that evening.Rick’s that evening.

PlotPlot

The scene shifts to Rick’s Café The scene shifts to Rick’s Café Americain, a stylish night club and Americain, a stylish night club and casino.casino.

Ugarte approaches Rick and asks if he Ugarte approaches Rick and asks if he will hold some letters of transit for him.will hold some letters of transit for him.

Rick observes dryly that the murdered Rick observes dryly that the murdered German couriers were carrying letters German couriers were carrying letters of transit, but accepts the letters and of transit, but accepts the letters and hides them in the piano being played hides them in the piano being played by his house musician, Sam.by his house musician, Sam.

PlotPlot

Signor Ferrari, owner of the rival bar, the Blue Signor Ferrari, owner of the rival bar, the Blue Paradise, offers to buy Rick’s bar, but Rick says it Paradise, offers to buy Rick’s bar, but Rick says it isn’t for sale.isn’t for sale.

Yvonne, Rick’s neglected lover, tries to arrange a Yvonne, Rick’s neglected lover, tries to arrange a date for that evening, but Rick dismisses her and date for that evening, but Rick dismisses her and orders a cab to take her home.orders a cab to take her home.

Lou tells Rick he is going to make an arrest and Lou tells Rick he is going to make an arrest and warns Rick against protecting the couriers’ killer.warns Rick against protecting the couriers’ killer.

In the conversation that ensues, we learn that In the conversation that ensues, we learn that Rick was involved in antifascist wars in the 1930s, Rick was involved in antifascist wars in the 1930s, supporting the Republicans in the Spanish Civil supporting the Republicans in the Spanish Civil War and the Ethiopians against Italy.War and the Ethiopians against Italy.

PlotPlot

With the German officer present, With the German officer present, Louis decides the time has come to Louis decides the time has come to arrest the murderer of the German arrest the murderer of the German couriers.couriers.

Cornered, Ugarte appeals to Rick for Cornered, Ugarte appeals to Rick for help, but Rick does nothing.help, but Rick does nothing.

After things calm down, Laszlo enters After things calm down, Laszlo enters the bar with Ilsa. They have come in the bar with Ilsa. They have come in search of exit visassearch of exit visas

PlotPlot

Strasser approaches Laszlo with Strasser approaches Laszlo with hostility, and Louis politely requests hostility, and Louis politely requests that Laszlo report to his office the next that Laszlo report to his office the next day.day.

Meanwhile, Ilsa and Sam, who Meanwhile, Ilsa and Sam, who recognize each other, begin to talk.recognize each other, begin to talk.

At first, Sam refuses Ilsa’s request to At first, Sam refuses Ilsa’s request to play “As Time Goes By,” but he play “As Time Goes By,” but he eventually relents.eventually relents.

The music brings Rick to the piano.The music brings Rick to the piano.

PlotPlot

““I thought I told you never to play—” he I thought I told you never to play—” he begins, breaking off when he sees Ilsa.begins, breaking off when he sees Ilsa.

Laszlo and Louis join the group, and Laszlo and Louis join the group, and Rick sits down for a drink, violating his Rick sits down for a drink, violating his rule of never drinking with customers.rule of never drinking with customers.

When the couple leaves, Rick picks up When the couple leaves, Rick picks up the check, breaking another personal the check, breaking another personal rule.rule.

Later that evening, Rick drinks alone Later that evening, Rick drinks alone after the bar closes.after the bar closes.

PlotPlot

Sam plays, “As Time Goes By” again, and Sam plays, “As Time Goes By” again, and Rick thinks about the past.Rick thinks about the past.

In a flashback, we see a happier, less In a flashback, we see a happier, less haggard Rick in Paris with Ilsa by his side.haggard Rick in Paris with Ilsa by his side.

Although they are clearly in love, they Although they are clearly in love, they avoid all questions about each other’s avoid all questions about each other’s pasts.pasts.

When they hear word that the German When they hear word that the German army is approaching Paris, Rick knows he army is approaching Paris, Rick knows he will have to leave the city.will have to leave the city.

PlotPlot

Rick proposes to Ilsa, who tries her best to Rick proposes to Ilsa, who tries her best to hide her anguish, saying she doesn’t plan hide her anguish, saying she doesn’t plan that far in advance.that far in advance.

Rick isn’t worried; he thinks they will leave Rick isn’t worried; he thinks they will leave together the next day for Marseille.together the next day for Marseille.

At the train station the next day, Rick At the train station the next day, Rick waits in the pouring rain, but Ilsa is waits in the pouring rain, but Ilsa is nowhere to be found.nowhere to be found.

Sam arrives and shows Rick a note from Sam arrives and shows Rick a note from Ilsa which says she can never see him Ilsa which says she can never see him again.again.

PlotPlot

At this point, the flashback ends, and At this point, the flashback ends, and the scene shifts back to Casablanca.the scene shifts back to Casablanca.

Ilsa enters the bar; she wants to explain Ilsa enters the bar; she wants to explain what happened in Paris, but Rick is what happened in Paris, but Rick is drunk and angry, and Ilsa leaves.drunk and angry, and Ilsa leaves.

The next day, Ilsa and Laszlo go to The next day, Ilsa and Laszlo go to Louis’s office where Strasser tells Laszlo Louis’s office where Strasser tells Laszlo he will never escape Casablanca alive.he will never escape Casablanca alive.

PlotPlot The couple then goes to the Blue Parrot to The couple then goes to the Blue Parrot to

visit Signor Ferrari and arrive just as Rick is visit Signor Ferrari and arrive just as Rick is leaving.leaving.

As Laszlo talks with Ferrari, Ilsa tells Rick As Laszlo talks with Ferrari, Ilsa tells Rick that Laszlo is her husband and has been for that Laszlo is her husband and has been for years, even when she and Rick were years, even when she and Rick were together in Paris.together in Paris.

Ferrari says he can obtain a visa for Ilsa but Ferrari says he can obtain a visa for Ilsa but not for Laszlo.not for Laszlo.

The couple decides not to split up.The couple decides not to split up. Ferrari suggests they speak to Rick, whom Ferrari suggests they speak to Rick, whom

he suspects is holding Ugarte’s stolen he suspects is holding Ugarte’s stolen letters of transit.letters of transit.

PlotPlot

That evening at Rick’s, a young Bulgarian That evening at Rick’s, a young Bulgarian woman, Mrs. Brandel, approaches Rick to woman, Mrs. Brandel, approaches Rick to ask if Louis is “trustworthy.”ask if Louis is “trustworthy.”

Louis, as Rick knows, has a habit of Louis, as Rick knows, has a habit of offering female refugees exit visas in offering female refugees exit visas in exchange for sex.exchange for sex.

Rick says Louis’s word is good, but not Rick says Louis’s word is good, but not wanting to let Mrs. Brandel’s new marriage wanting to let Mrs. Brandel’s new marriage be harmed, he arranges for her husband be harmed, he arranges for her husband to win big at the roulette table so they can to win big at the roulette table so they can buy a visa on their own.buy a visa on their own.

PlotPlot Later, Laszlo asks to speak to Rick. He offers to buy the Later, Laszlo asks to speak to Rick. He offers to buy the

letters of transit, but Rick says he’ll never sell them.letters of transit, but Rick says he’ll never sell them. When Laszlo asks why, Rick replies, “Ask your wife.”When Laszlo asks why, Rick replies, “Ask your wife.” German soldiers have gathered around Sam’s piano German soldiers have gathered around Sam’s piano

and are singing the German national anthem.and are singing the German national anthem. Laszlo tells the band to play the French national Laszlo tells the band to play the French national

anthem, and leads the patrons of the bar in a stirring anthem, and leads the patrons of the bar in a stirring rendition of the song, which drowns out the Germans.rendition of the song, which drowns out the Germans.

Strasser is furious and demands that Louis shut down Strasser is furious and demands that Louis shut down Rick’s.Rick’s.

Louis closes Rick’s on the pretext that gambling takes Louis closes Rick’s on the pretext that gambling takes place there, even as he accepts his evenings’ winnings.place there, even as he accepts his evenings’ winnings.

PlotPlot Back at their hotel, Laszlo asks Ilsa if there is Back at their hotel, Laszlo asks Ilsa if there is

anything she wants to tell him about Paris, and anything she wants to tell him about Paris, and she replies, “No.”she replies, “No.”

Husband and wife reaffirm their love for one Husband and wife reaffirm their love for one another.another.

As Victor leaves for a meeting of the As Victor leaves for a meeting of the underground resistance, Ilsa leaves too and underground resistance, Ilsa leaves too and surprises Rick by showing up in his apartment.surprises Rick by showing up in his apartment.

She pleads with him for the letters of transit, She pleads with him for the letters of transit, urging him to put aside his personal feelings urging him to put aside his personal feelings for something more important.for something more important.

When Rich still refuses, she pulls a gun on him.When Rich still refuses, she pulls a gun on him.

PlotPlot

Rick dares her to shoot, but Ilsa cannot.Rick dares her to shoot, but Ilsa cannot. Instead, she breaks down in tears and Instead, she breaks down in tears and

claims she still loves Rick. They embrace.claims she still loves Rick. They embrace.Later, Ilsa explains what happened in Later, Ilsa explains what happened in

Paris.Paris.After she married Laszlo, he had to return After she married Laszlo, he had to return

to Prague, where he was arrested and put to Prague, where he was arrested and put in a Concentration Camp.in a Concentration Camp.

PlotPlot

Months later, she heard he was killed in an Months later, she heard he was killed in an escape attempt.escape attempt.

She met Rick shortly thereafter.She met Rick shortly thereafter. Ilsa learned that Laszlo was still alive just Ilsa learned that Laszlo was still alive just

when she and Rick were about to leave when she and Rick were about to leave Paris.Paris.

Laszlo needed her, and she decided to Laszlo needed her, and she decided to stay with him.stay with him.

She didn’t tell Rick because she knew he She didn’t tell Rick because she knew he wouldn’t leave Paris if he found out, and wouldn’t leave Paris if he found out, and the Gestapo would arrest him.the Gestapo would arrest him.

PlotPlot

Her story finished, Ilsa says she’ll never be Her story finished, Ilsa says she’ll never be able to leave Rick a second time, but she able to leave Rick a second time, but she begs him to help Laszlo escape.begs him to help Laszlo escape.

As for whether she will go with Laszlo or As for whether she will go with Laszlo or stay with Rick, she says she doesn’t know stay with Rick, she says she doesn’t know what is right anymore and tells Rick, “You what is right anymore and tells Rick, “You have to think for both of us.”have to think for both of us.”

Later that evening, Laszlo claims to know Later that evening, Laszlo claims to know that Rick loves Ilsa and asks for the letters that Rick loves Ilsa and asks for the letters of transit for her sake.of transit for her sake.

PlotPlot

Just then, the German soldiers burst Just then, the German soldiers burst into Rick’s and arrest Laszlo.into Rick’s and arrest Laszlo.

The next day, Rick pleads with Louis The next day, Rick pleads with Louis to release Laszlo, saying that Laszlo to release Laszlo, saying that Laszlo can be arrested on a more serious can be arrested on a more serious charge, possession of stolen letters charge, possession of stolen letters of transit.of transit.

Rick also tells Louis that he plans to Rick also tells Louis that he plans to use the letters to escape with Ilsa.use the letters to escape with Ilsa.

PlotPlot

That afternoon, Rick sells his club to That afternoon, Rick sells his club to Ferrari.Ferrari.

That evening, back at Rick’s, as he hands That evening, back at Rick’s, as he hands the letters to Laszlo, Louis emerges out of the letters to Laszlo, Louis emerges out of the shadows to make the arrest.the shadows to make the arrest.

Just as suddenly, Rick pulls a gun and Just as suddenly, Rick pulls a gun and points it at Louis.points it at Louis.

He orders Louis to call the airport to make He orders Louis to call the airport to make sure that evening’s flight to Lisbon will sure that evening’s flight to Lisbon will take off as planned.take off as planned.

Louis pretends to call the airport, but Louis pretends to call the airport, but actually calls Strasser.actually calls Strasser.

PlotPlot At the airport, Rick makes Louis fill in the At the airport, Rick makes Louis fill in the

letters of transit for Mr. and Mrs. Victor letters of transit for Mr. and Mrs. Victor Laszlo.Laszlo.

Ilsa objects, but Rick says he did the Ilsa objects, but Rick says he did the thinking for both of them and decided that thinking for both of them and decided that for Laszlo to continue doing his work, he for Laszlo to continue doing his work, he needs Ilsa by his side.needs Ilsa by his side.

Rick tells Laszlo that Ilsa visited him last Rick tells Laszlo that Ilsa visited him last night and pretended to still love him to get night and pretended to still love him to get the letters.the letters.

He knew she was lying, Rick says, because He knew she was lying, Rick says, because it was over a long time ago.it was over a long time ago.

As Rick talks, Ilsa sobs in the background.As Rick talks, Ilsa sobs in the background.

PlotPlot

After goodbyes, the Laszlos board After goodbyes, the Laszlos board the plane.the plane.

Just then Strasser arrives and calls Just then Strasser arrives and calls the tower to prevent the plane from the tower to prevent the plane from taking off, but Rick shoots him, and taking off, but Rick shoots him, and the plane leaves.the plane leaves.

The French police arrive, and Louis, The French police arrive, and Louis, who has seen everything, orders, who has seen everything, orders, “Round up the usual suspects.”“Round up the usual suspects.”

PlotPlot

As the cops drive off, Louis congratulates Rick on As the cops drive off, Louis congratulates Rick on becoming a patriot and then becomes a patriot becoming a patriot and then becomes a patriot himself, symbolized by his throwing out a bottle of himself, symbolized by his throwing out a bottle of Vichy water (water produced in the unoccupied Vichy water (water produced in the unoccupied region of France that persecuted Jews and tried to region of France that persecuted Jews and tried to win Nazi favor).win Nazi favor).

Rick and Louis walk along the runway together.Rick and Louis walk along the runway together. Louis says he can arrange for Rick to escape to Louis says he can arrange for Rick to escape to

Brazzaville, another French colony in Africa, and Brazzaville, another French colony in Africa, and announces he will go, too.announces he will go, too.

The movie ends with Rick saying the famous final The movie ends with Rick saying the famous final line, “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful line, “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” “La Marseillaise” plays in the friendship.” “La Marseillaise” plays in the background.background.

ThemesThemes

The Difficulty of NeutralityThe Difficulty of Neutrality In love and war, neutrality is difficult for Rick, In love and war, neutrality is difficult for Rick,

Ilsa, and Louis to maintain.Ilsa, and Louis to maintain. The Impossibility of Escaping the PastThe Impossibility of Escaping the Past

Rick, Ilsa and Louis cannot escape the past Rick, Ilsa and Louis cannot escape the past and their memories. Even when they try to and their memories. Even when they try to flee the past, it catches up with them.flee the past, it catches up with them.

The Power of Lady LuckThe Power of Lady Luck Mr. and Mrs. Brandel demonstrate how luck Mr. and Mrs. Brandel demonstrate how luck

functions in the movie.functions in the movie. Particular people can bring good and bad luck Particular people can bring good and bad luck

to one another. Sam tells Ilsa she’s bad luck to one another. Sam tells Ilsa she’s bad luck for Rick.for Rick.

MotifsMotifs

Exile and TravelExile and Travel Casablanca filled with foreigners, most of whom are Casablanca filled with foreigners, most of whom are

exiles.exiles. Movie opens with images of hurried travelMovie opens with images of hurried travel

Dreaming of America in AfricaDreaming of America in Africa This is where all the refugees hope to go.This is where all the refugees hope to go. America represents where exile ends and new life begins.America represents where exile ends and new life begins.

SpotlightSpotlight The spotlight that shine from a tall tower and lights up The spotlight that shine from a tall tower and lights up

Casablanca reminds people that they are always being Casablanca reminds people that they are always being watched.watched.

The spotlight is a constant presence at Rick’s.The spotlight is a constant presence at Rick’s. In order for Ilsa to escape the spotlight, Rick realizes, he In order for Ilsa to escape the spotlight, Rick realizes, he

must let her escape to America.must let her escape to America.

SymbolsSymbols Sam’s PianoSam’s Piano

Symbolic heart and soul of Rick’s Café.Symbolic heart and soul of Rick’s Café. All guests want to sit beside it to be close to Sam, the All guests want to sit beside it to be close to Sam, the

most untainted character in the film.most untainted character in the film. Piano itself suggests purity which is why Louis does not Piano itself suggests purity which is why Louis does not

think to look for letters of transit there.think to look for letters of transit there. It is also a symbol of Rick’s heart; it brings back painful It is also a symbol of Rick’s heart; it brings back painful

memories when “As Time Goes By” plays.memories when “As Time Goes By” plays. LaszloLaszlo

Is both a character and a symbolIs both a character and a symbol His symbolic elements are rooted in his upstanding, moral His symbolic elements are rooted in his upstanding, moral

character.character. The Plane to Lisbon and the Letters of TransitThe Plane to Lisbon and the Letters of Transit

Represents the possibility of escape from war-torn Represents the possibility of escape from war-torn Europe.Europe.

The letters symbolize the golden tickets out.The letters symbolize the golden tickets out.