Casablanca (movie) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Casablanca
Original 1942 poster
Directed by	Michael Curitz
Produced by	Hal B. Wallis
Written by	Julius J. Epstein Philip G. Epstein Howard Koch
Starring	Humphrey Bogart Ingrid Bergman Paul Henreid Claude Rains Conrad Veidt Sydney Greenstreet Peter Lorre S.Z. Sakall
Studio	Warner Bros.
Distributed by	RKO Radio Pictures
Running time	102
Country	United States
Language	English / French / German
Budget	$950,000 (estimated)

Casablanca is a famous American movie from 1942. It takes place in the city of Casablanca in Morocco during World War II. The main actors are Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, and Paul Henreid.

Many people think Casablanca is one of the best movies ever made. It's loved for its exciting story and the amazing acting by Bogart and Bergman, especially their romantic scenes. The movie also has many famous lines that people still quote today.

Story of Casablanca
Why Casablanca is Famous
Awards and Recognition
Images for kids
See also

Story of Casablanca

The movie Casablanca is set in December 1941. This was a time when many people were trying to escape from Europe during World War II. They often tried to get to neutral Portugal and then to the United States.

Rick's Cafe Americain

The story mostly happens at a nightclub called Rick's Cafe Americain. This club is owned by an American man named Rick Blaine, played by Humphrey Bogart. Rick's club is a popular place for people trying to escape the war. It's also a place where many different kinds of people meet. These include French police, German officers, and people trying to get out of the country.

Meeting Ilsa Lund

One day, a woman named Ilsa Lund, played by Ingrid Bergman, comes into Rick's club. She is with her husband, Victor Laszlo, played by Paul Henreid. Victor is a famous leader of the French Resistance. He is trying to get special travel papers to leave Casablanca.

Rick and Ilsa had a romantic past together in Paris before the war. When they meet again in Casablanca, old feelings return. This makes the story very dramatic. Rick has to decide if he will help Ilsa and Victor escape, even if it means losing Ilsa again.

The Important Papers

The main goal for Victor and Ilsa is to get two special "letters of transit." These papers would let them travel freely to any country. They are very valuable because they can help people escape the war. Everyone in Casablanca wants these papers.

Captain Louis Renault, played by Claude Rains, is the local police chief. He tries to control who gets to leave Casablanca. He often works with the German Major Strasser, played by Conrad Veidt. Rick finds himself caught between helping his old love, Ilsa, and doing what is right for the war effort.

Why Casablanca is Famous

Casablanca became very popular when it was released. It won several important awards. It is still loved today for many reasons.

Great Acting and Characters

The actors in Casablanca did an amazing job. Humphrey Bogart's character, Rick, is a tough but caring hero. Ingrid Bergman's character, Ilsa, is strong and beautiful. Their chemistry on screen is one of the movie's highlights. The supporting actors also played their parts very well.

Memorable Lines

The movie has many famous lines that people often quote. Some of these include:

"Here's looking at you, kid."
"Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine."
"Play it, Sam. Play 'As Time Goes By.'"

Music and Setting

The music in Casablanca is also very important. The song "As Time Goes By" is a key part of the story. It reminds Rick and Ilsa of their past love. The setting of Casablanca during wartime also adds to the movie's special feeling. It shows a time when people faced difficult choices.

Timeless Themes

Casablanca explores themes that are still important today. These include love, sacrifice, and doing what is right. It shows how people can make brave choices during hard times. The movie reminds us about the importance of freedom and fighting against injustice.

Awards and Recognition

Casablanca won three Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars. These are very important awards in the movie industry.

Best Picture: This is the top award for a movie.
Best Director: For Michael Curtiz, who guided the film.
Best Screenplay: For the writers who created the story and dialogue.

The movie is often listed as one of the greatest films ever made by many film experts and organizations. It is part of the United States National Film Registry, which keeps important movies safe.