The Making of Casablanca: Bogart, Bergman, and World War II

Well researched and enjoyable read about the greatest film of all time. Many wonderful stories about the creation of a masterpiece. Also contains photos and cast and crew information. A must have for any fan of "Casablanca".

I purchased for my husband for our anniversary, hoping it would delight a life-long Casa Blanca fan and it did! He loved it.

I've been a Casablanca fan for at least the last 60 years. I'm one of those obnoxious characters who says the lines in the movie along with the actors. Few people are now willing to join me as I watch the movie for the umpteenth time. And regarding Casablanca, I don't care. The Making of Casablanca gave me fascinating insights into the making of the movie and the lives of those involved, including people in the smaller parts, such as Yvonne, Rick's jilted girlfriend, or Sasha, the smiling bartender.

Have you ever purchased something twice and started to read or listen to it and realize you have already read or purchased it before?As Bogart says in his cafe, " I was misinformed". A few years ago,I bought and read this book under the title, "Round Up The Usual Suspects" and I enjoyed it very much. I then bought it again (recently, I'm not that disoriented-yet) under it's new title, "The Making of Casablanca" same book, and same level of enjoyment. Aljean Harmetz was a New York Times correspondent and she is a skilled writer. Ms. Harmetz unfurls the story of the production of "Casablanca" in an entertaining fashion. So many things could have been undone by the studio and the government (released before World War II) the producer Hal Wallis kept the production on even keel and how Wallis went about it, is the crux of the story. Great insight into the era and the number of refugees who portray refugees, Bogart stories and Bergman tales. A really absorbing read, especially if you are a fan of the movie...and who isn't?

A wonderful book, and not just for Casablanca fans. It gives a thoroughly readable, and vivid, account of the the process of moviemaking during WW2 and of how that has changed over the years. Casablanca fans - an enormous audience - will learn much about the many, almost chance, circumstances which led the film to its final form. Without the Hays code, Rick might have ended up with Ilsa. Without Bergman's commitment to For Whom The Bell Tolls, "As Time Goes By" might not have featured in the film. There are many other such chance circumstances detailed in the book. I've long loved the movie, but I didn't expect the book to be this good.

I've been watching this movie for 30 years. The book was a nice peek behind the scenes at the industry and the times that shaped how movies were made. Fairly light on the movie details itself, but that what other reviews say too. Enjoyed it very much

One of the best Hollywood books you'll ever read. Not only does it cover in great detail the making of Casablanca, but it also details studio owner Jack Warner, producer Hal Wallis, writers Howard Koch and the Epstein brothers but also fascinating stories on many of the extras in the movie who fled Nazi Germany. The book is also a great history of Hollywood during WWII. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Lots of extensive research and details about the greatest movie ever made! Important book for anyone wanting to know all the details about the making of this great movie.