Where Was “Casablanca” Filmed?

When movie buffs hear the name “Casablanca,” they know we’re talking about one of the great classics of our time. Starring two absolute legends of the silver screen, Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, the romantic drama set during WWII has lived on in the hearts of movie lovers all over the world. The reputation of this Oscar-winning picture surely precedes it, so we won’t rehash the plot, but you’re probably wondering: Where was “Casablanca” filmed?

Fortunately, we have all the answers to this question, as well as an extra bonus from Peerspace, the first stop for any movie buff looking to film their own production with thousands of incredible locations brought to you by professional hosts. So without further ado, let’s take a trip back to a bygone era of Hollywood and explore one of its greatest achievements.

Was “Casablanca” shot on location?

The movie takes place in the city of Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco, but you might have wondered if the production flew across the ocean for the genuine environment. Keep in mind, though, the film was not only set during but also shot during WWII, so traveling to Europe wasn’t at the top of any filmmaker’s list. It was much more affordable and practical to shoot the film back in Hollywood, so almost the entire production took place at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California.

According to an article on The Studio Tour, it was almost entirely on one specific set, the French Street: “A block of ‘European’ style three story storefronts, including an interior café set used as Luke’s in the television series Gilmore Girls. The second level exteriors consist of multiple shuttered French windows (some with wrought iron railings), and the third level has a mansard roofline with dormer windows. The most noted project shot on French Street was Casablanca starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.”

This location was also prominently featured in the love letter to Hollywood, “La La Land,” starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. That said, the majority of “Casablanca” takes place in one location: the nightclub that Humphrey Bogart’s character, Rick, operates, called Rick’s Café Américain. This made for much simpler logistics for Warner Bros., who were able to film nearly all of the movie on their own backlot.

Where is the airport from “Casablanca”?

We’ve partly answered the question, “Where was Casablanca filmed?” However, we have one more iconic location from the movie to cover. At the end of the movie, the characters await the arrival of Major Heinrich Strasser, played by Conrad Veidt, at an airport. It turns out this was filmed right in the neighborhood of Warner Bros. Studio, and they took advantage of the old Metropolitan Airport in Van Nuys.

An article from movie-locations.com chronicles some of the many changes that the airport has undergone over the 80 years since the film was released: “The site has since been incorporated into Van Nuys Airport, 6590 Hayvenhurst Avenue, occupying the area between Woodley Avenue to the east, Balboa Boulevard to the west, and Roscoe Boulevard and Vanowen Street.”

The site goes on to describe what became of the hangars that can be seen in the film: “When the airport was realigned, the two hangars were no longer contained within the terminal boundaries. Used as engineering workshops, they could be found on Waterman Drive, a tiny private street running west from Woodley Avenue between Daily Drive and Lindbergh Street, to the northeast of the airport lot.” Reportedly, nothing is left of the physical spaces that helped create “Casablanca.”

Filming locations inspired by “Casablanca”

What about filming locations akin to the film? If you’re an aspiring creative or filmmaker, you’ve probably been inspired by this classic film and might even want to make your own! That’s where Peerspace comes in with plenty of beautiful filming locations that would be perfect for a tribute to Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.

Starting things off is a modern and industrial airport hangar located in Fullerton, California, not too far from Burbank. Situated at the Fullerton Municipal Airport, the hangar spans 5,000 square feet with 25-foot ceilings and concrete floors. There is also tarmac space and access to helicopters available for use. This five-star rated location has everything you need in a genuine airport.

If you’re looking to re-create your own Rick’s Café Américain, then look no further than the aptly named Rick’s Speakeasy in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. The host, Rich, has created a genuine time capsule that will transport you right to the time of “Casablanca.” The décor harkens to the 1920s to the early 1940s. In addition, the speakeasy features an original Art Deco bar, piano, and pool table. What an incredible and fitting find this one is!

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