Making of Casablanca, The: Bogart, Bergman, and World War II Paperback – 23 Oct. 2002

If you like Casablanca (and if you don't then you clearly don't like movies) this book is essential reading.Learnt loads about the cast and crew and the politics around at the time, not just in Hollywood.

'Casablanca' is my favourite movie of all time. This book has tonnes of information that I never knew about.. Highly recommended!

If you love the film (and who, in their right mind does not!?) then you will love this 'behind-the-scenes' account of the making of one of the most popular films ever to come out of Hollywood.Mind you, you are in for a few shocks. It may have grossed millions since it first appeared in 1942 and found critical acclaim but no one at Warner Brothers regarded it at the time as anything special - just another 'B' movie off the conveyor belt that was Hollywood.Well, they were wrong!One reason it worked was not the chemistry between Bergman and Bogart (they were not that close or even friends) but because of the attention to detail of the film's brilliant producer, Hal Wallis and the dedication of writers Julius and Philip Epstein and Howard Koch.Made in 1941, the cast is stuffed with European emigres, most of whom have only recently themselves fled the Nazis. This may have given those street or bar scenes in 'neutral' Casablanca a 'frisson' of credibility.I loved this book and much as I would love to tell you its numerous revelations that would probably spoil your own enjoyment. So, beg, borrow, steal (or even buy from Amazon) your copy, sit back and enjoy (vicariously) the making of one of the minor wonders of the modern world!

I have lost count of the number of times I have watched Casablanca, a movie that set out to be nothing special but has become an all-time classic. This wonderful insightful book was an "un-put-downable" and at times "gosh" account of the movie, from inception, through all the changes, the cast and ultimately production. If you are a fan then this book is for you!

Every bit as anticipated - thoroughly enjoyed it! Anyone interested in this film particularly or Warner Bros. generally should get hold of a copy.

A fascinating book. Well worth the purchase.