During World War II former lovers Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) and Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) are reunited by chance in Casablanca, where he runs a nightclub and she, with her husband, Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid), is working for the Czech Resistance.

Recriminations, rekindled desires and patriotic duty battle for primacy as Ilsa's husband tries to outwit the local Nazis and escape from Morocco, whilst Rick and Ilsa rekindle their love for one another.