Deleted Scene From ”Casablanca” No-one Was Supposed To See

Hollywood Theater on 51st Street premiered Casablanca for $220 a ticket, but its stars were absentHumphrey Bogart feared flying, and Ingrid Bergman was on Broadway. Instead, Warner Bros. executives and New York socialites attended.

The film gained more attention when President Roosevelt watched it on December 14, 1942, just before meeting Churchill in Casablanca. Moved by the La Marseillaise scene, Roosevelt’s viewing aligned with the film’s general release on January 23, 1943.

Despite smart marketing, Casablanca wasn’t an instant blockbuster, earning $3.7 million—good but far behind For Whom the Bell Tolls ($11 million). Its budget exceeded $1 million due to costly scenes like La Marseillaise, which added $100,000. The war limited its reach, with theaters cutting hours due to blackout rules and fuel rationing. Critics praised the performances and themes of love, sacrifice, and resistance, but didn’t immediately recognize it as a classic.

Youtube Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3yR60FRIqE&list=WL&index=54