wayvyiews -Casablanca

Casablanca stands in a unique place in history as perhaps the most famous product of the collaboration between Hollywood and the American Government during World War II. The plot is set at the time of its release, during World War II, and tells the story of an American immigrant in the city of Casablanca who must choose between his love for a woman and helping her and her husband escape Casablanca to continue the fight against the Germans, as he was a resistance leader.

     The film acts as a rallying cry for Americans to get behind the war effort and is an excellent example of how the government would use Hollywood to change public opinion about America’s involvement in the war. It also acted as a recruitment video in a way, much like the “Uncle Sam” campaign, Casablanca encourages the public to enlist, painting going away and fighting for one’s country as the ultimate romantic and honourable gesture.

     Despite the film being a romance by nature, the most interesting elements of the narrative and story surrounding the film are the elements of war. Espionage, underworld bosses, refugee crises, war crimes and gambling all paint an exciting picture of war all for the protagonist Rick to overcome and save his European counterparts. Much as a parallel of the real occurrences at the time, the movie acts as both a love story and an American war cry.

-Mr. D