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Casablanca

Genre:Drama, Romance, War
Location:Casablanca, Morocco
Time Period:World War II

Logline

A jaded nightclub owner in WWII Casablanca faces a moral dilemma when his old flame and her resistance leader husband seek his help to escape the Nazis.

Summary

In war-torn Casablanca, the cynical owner of a popular nightclub, Rick Blaine, encounters his former lover, Ilsa Lund, who is now with resistance leader Victor Laszlo. Amidst political intrigue and the struggle for freedom, Rick must confront his past and decide either to rekindle his romance with Ilsa or help her and Laszlo escape the Nazis, sacrificing his own happiness for a cause greater than himself.

Synopsis

Set during World War II, refugees pass through Casablanca on their way to freedom. In the city's bustling old quarter, police round up suspects after the murder of two German couriers on orders to search for stolen transit documents. Among the chaos, various characters such as JAN and ANNINA BRANDEL witness a civilian's attempt to escape ending in his death. The scene moves to Rick's Cafe Americain, owned by American expatriate, Rick, who maintains a neutral stance amidst the political and emotional turmoil. He comes into possession of the coveted letters of transit through Ugarte, a petty criminal, while turning down offers to sell his cafe and keeping distance from his patron Yvonne.
With the arrival of Major Strasser, tensions in Casablanca rise. As plans are made to arrest Ugarte, Rick's nonchalant facade begins to crack with the unexpected appearance of Ilsa Lund, an old flame, and her companion Victor Laszlo, an esteemed resistance leader. While maintaining neutrality, Rick's demeanor changes when Ilsa asks Sam to play 'As Time Goes By,' a song deeply connected to their past love affair in Paris. Their reunion ignites memories of a time when Rick and Ilsa were intimately involved in Paris, only for Ilsa to abandon Rick at the train station without explanation.
Revisiting their past, Ilsa reveals to a drunken Rick that she had been married to Laszlo even during their Paris romance. Rick, embittered but still in love, initially refuses to help Ilsa and Laszlo escape. Laszlo's persistent efforts to obtain the letters and Ilsa's emotional pleas eventually soften Rick's resolve. He devises a plan that enables Ilsa and Laszlo's departure, shoots Major Strasser to protect it, and ultimately decides to leave Casablanca with Renault. The film concludes with Rick sacrificing his love for the greater good, walking away into the foggy night, with the prospect of a new alliance forming between him and Renault.

Story Arc:
Cinderella

Characters

Rick
LEAD

Rick is the enigmatic owner of Rick's Cafe Americain in Casablanca. He is an American expatriate with a mysterious past and a heavy heart from a failed romance. His journey through the film reveals a complex character who grapples with cynicism and lost love but ultimately shows a selfless streak that belies his detached exterior.

Ilsa
LEAD

Ilsa Lund is the erstwhile lover of Rick, embodying a classic beauty and elegance with a deep sense of personal conflict. Her reappearance in Casablanca reignites a past romance and presents her with difficult choices between love and duty. She is torn between her commitment to her husband, Victor Laszlo, and her unresolved feelings for Rick.

Strasser
LEAD

Major Strasser is a high-ranking German officer who arrives in Casablanca with a mission to prevent the escape of resistance leader Victor Laszlo. He is characterized by his stoicism, authority, and dedication to the Nazi cause. Throughout the story, Strasser's interactions with other characters reveal his tactical mindset and his willingness to do whatever is necessary to achieve his objectives.

Renault
SUPPORTING

Captain Louis Renault is the Prefect of Police in Casablanca, pragmatic and seemingly corrupt. He's known for his amiable but sly personality, engaging in opportunistic deals and maintaining the status quo under German oversight. His allegiance swings where convenience lies, yet his character suggests a more profound loyalty that resurfaces by the story's end.

Laszlo
SUPPORTING

Victor Laszlo is a renowned leader of the Czech Resistance against the Nazis, escaping from a concentration camp and seeking freedom from Casablanca. His character embodies bravery, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to the resistance movement. Laszlo's idealism contrasts with the moral ambiguity that surrounds him.