This movie is American history. Somehow this so-called run-of-the-mill Hollywood script became one of the biggest films ever. Casablanca gave Ingrid Bergman, and Humphrey Bogart their defining  roles, sealed with movie quotes that have been alluded to in more subsequent films and television, books and face-to-face conversation than any other. It became a cult film, and its melo-dramatic  script was made legendary by the similarly unassuming melody "As Time Goes By." So this melodrama about love, Nazis and American isolationism became the movie classic that idealized the second world war to all subsequent generations.

The film begins with a map, setting the story and giving historical background, grounding this film in a highly fantasized- about era in American and World history, exploring an exotic location's experience with the war. 

Also the reversal of mysterious characters to the suit-wearing, westerners is an ironic and interesting aspect of the film. 

Placing Casablanca in an exotic location adds to the glamour, and romance of the the film. It keeps the audience interested and provides a mysterious and intriguing backdrop that is echoed through the rest of the film.

Also within setting of the film, Rick's American cafe is set up with American music and is viewed as the escapism from reality, where every one goes to find things familiar, glamour, music, food and drink, as opposed to the Blue Parrot, when pictured is far more middle- eastern in feeling, with lower tables and an eastern decor. Rick's Cafe is importantly American, because at the time of the filming America was not involved in the world war, and was the only country that could have hosted this escapist environment. 

The timing of the film also affects the plot of the film as Rick himself comes to represent American isolationism showcased in his hesitancy in aiding, or getting involved in politics at all, on either side, though the film predicted America's slow warming to the side of the Allies, as Rick slowly becomes more and more helpful to the rebellion. His friendship with Louis represents America's blooming friendship and protection of the French and French lands that was to come in World War II. Casablanca has a clear message "isolationism is no longer a practical policy.