Casablanca Express

Casablanca Express

Year: 1989

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Director: Sergio Martino

DramaActionWar

In 1942, as the war intensifies, U.S. Intelligence learns that the Nazis plan to abduct Winston Churchill. British SIS and U.S. Marines intervene in the Moroccan desert, rescuing him from storm‑troopers. Commando Al Cooper is tasked with guarding Churchill on his train to Casablanca, where he is to meet Roosevelt and Stalin.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Casablanca Express (1989)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Casablanca Express (1989). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1942–1943

Set during World War II, the narrative situates the action in the early 1940s amid Allied planning for a Casablanca Conference. The period features espionage, German threats, and urgent military logistics in North Africa. The clock ticks on a tense rescue mission as the train confronts saboteurs and battle-front realities.

Location

Algiers, Casablanca

The events unfold in the North African theater during World War II, centered on a secure train route between Algiers and Casablanca. Algiers serves as the Allied command hub where intelligence coordinates the protection plan, while Casablanca is the destination and meeting point for key Allied leaders. The film uses desert settings, port cities, and a high-stakes railway operation to heighten the sense of urgency.

🗺️ North Africa 🕰️ World War II

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:38

Main Characters – Casablanca Express (1989)

Meet the key characters of Casablanca Express (1989), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Captain Franchetti (Francesco Quinn)

A decisive protective officer who leads from the front during the firefight on the coach roof. He stays focused under danger, balancing aggression with measured restraint to safeguard the passengers and mission. His leadership anchors the defenders' efforts.

🛡️ Protector ⚔️ Soldier 🧠 Strategist

Alan Cooper

A skilled agent who volunteers for a dangerous solo mission to reach the train. He demonstrates resourcefulness and grit, maneuvering through hostile terrain to cut the wires and rally the defenders. His bravery is pivotal to turning the tide.

🕵️ Intelligence 🗡️ Survival 🧭 Leader

Lt. Lorna Fisher

A capable officer who coordinates the defense and maintains communications during the crisis. She remains steady under pressure, making decisive calls to mobilize reinforcements. She embodies resilience and professional resolve.

🎖️ Officer 🗼 Communicator 💪 Resilient

Otto von Tiblis

A German saboteur disguised among the passengers, orchestrating the crisis from within. He is stealthy, ruthless, and a constant threat that tests the guards' alertness. His plan hinges on creating maximum disruption before being stopped.

⚔️ Antagonist 🧨 Saboteur 🧭 Cunning

Winston Churchill (John Evans)

The central political figure the operation aims to protect rather than engage directly. His presence raises the stakes and drives Allied strategic aims under threat, symbolizing leadership and resolve amid danger.

🏛️ Leader 🕊️ Statesman 🧭 Icon

Major Valmore

An Allied officer who helps coordinate the response to the German assault, translating intelligence into actionable defense. He provides authority and tactical guidance during the crisis.

🎖️ Officer 🧭 Planner

Churchill's Double

A decoy figure used to mislead the enemy, intensifying the tension around Churchill's movements and complicating the attacker’s objective. The ruse creates an additional layer of strategic risk.

🎭 Deception 🧭 Misdirection

Colonel Del Croix

A senior officer involved in the chain of command in Algiers, contributing to the overall planning and execution of the defense against the assault.

⚔️ Command 🧭 Strategy

American Officer

A representative of U.S. forces aboard the train, providing critical support and leadership during combat and crisis management.

🗺️ Allied 🛡️ Protector

U.S. Marine Officer

A frontline Marine whose firepower and courage help repel the German attack, symbolizing the Allied counteroffensive during the crisis.

🪖 Marine 🏁 Frontline

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:38

Major Themes – Casablanca Express (1989)

Explore the central themes of Casablanca Express (1989), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛡️ Duty

A small team bears the heavy load of protecting a political target under direct threat. The story centers on loyalty, courage, and the personal costs of guardianship. It emphasizes the sacrifices made to keep leaders safe and missions on track.

🕵️ Espionage

Intelligence work, double agents, and deception drive the plot, with a German saboteur among the passengers raising the stakes. The guards must read clues quickly and improvise under pressure. The deception around Churchill's movements adds layers of misdirection.

💥 Conflict

The Casablanca Express becomes a battlefield aboard a moving train, with gunfire and explosives altering the balance of power. Victory hinges on swift coordination and resolve amid chaos. The realism of combat underlines the brutal cost of strategic gambles.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:38

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Casablanca Express Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Casablanca Express, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Casablanca Express Summary

Casablanca Express Timeline

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Casablanca Express Timeline

More About Casablanca Express

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