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Master Rank #13

Casablanca

1942

GCML Total9.4840% Greatness · 40% Engagement · 20% Ease

Directed by Michael Curtiz

CastHumphrey Bogart · Ingrid Bergman · Paul Henreid

USAEnglishDrama / Romance102 minPG
Sight & Sound; IMDb Top 250; AFI 100Narrative FeatureModerate pace
Find Where to Watch
Original poster artwork · Great Cinema Master List
Oscar · 3

Spoiler-free premise

In wartime Casablanca, nightclub owner Rick Blaine encounters former lover Ilsa Lund and resistance leader Victor Laszlo, who need letters of transit to escape.

Read expanded premiseLonger, still spoiler-free

In wartime Casablanca, nightclub owner Rick Blaine encounters former lover Ilsa Lund, now traveling with resistance leader Victor Laszlo. Their need for scarce letters of transit forces private history into conflict with political responsibility.

Why it belongs

In Casablanca, romance, wit, political urgency, and star chemistry converge in one of classical Hollywood’s most durable achievements.

Read expanded why it belongsThe fuller editorial case

Curtiz's economical direction, luminous close-ups, layered supporting characters, and endlessly exacting dialogue allow romance, humor, exile, and anti-fascist urgency to coexist without any one element flattening the others.

Major award record

Metadata only · zero points in 40/40/20
Academy Awards3 wins1944 · official ceremony record ↗
Outstanding Motion Picture1944 · Warner Bros.official ceremony record ↗Directing1944 · Michael Curtizofficial ceremony record ↗Writing (Screenplay)1944 · Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, Howard Kochofficial ceremony record ↗

Totals include every recorded competitive win. Only Picture or top-film honors, Direction, Screenplay, and lead or supporting performances are named.

Good for
Date NightFamilyFilm Club
Descriptive guidance derived from rating, genre, runtime, mood, and GCML scores.

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