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Overview
Directed by Michael Curtiz and released in 1942, Casablanca follows the mercurial and dashing Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), a nightclub owner in the Moroccan city of Casablanca during World War II
. Rick’s past unexpectedly catches up with him when Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman)—the woman who broke his heart— arrives in his gin joint, desperately needing help only he can give. As he wrestles with his decision, the film explores the ideas of the power of luck, the difficulty of remaining neutral in love and war, and the inescapability of the past. Casablanca was initially a solid box-office success and has over time become a classic of American cinema for its sharp dialogue and iconic performances. It won eight Academy Awards including Best Picture in 1944 and remains one of Hollywood’s most celebrated films.
