Casablanca (film) 14, 2012, at Sotheby's for more than $600,000 to an anonymous bidder. The piano Sam "plays" in Rick's Café Américain, put up for auction with other film memorabilia by Turner Classic Movies at Bonhams in New York in November 2014, sold for $3.4 million. Although an initial release date was anticipated for early 1943, the film premiered at the Hollywood Theater in New York City on November 26, 1942, to coincide with the Allied invasion of North Africa and the capture of Casablanca. It went into general release on January 23, 1943, to take advantage of the Casablanca Conference, a
Rick's Café Casablanca that depict that of the film; a port-oriented façade that looks to the Atlantic; and a narrow dead-end access which was the former main entrance but is now the service entrance. Because of the age of the structure and proximity to the sea, the mansion was totally restored and renovated. American architect/designer Bill Willis conceived the decorative and architectural details which enhanced the existing arches and balustrades to evoke the film “Casablanca.” Intricate antique brass floor and table lamps with metal shades strung with beads give off dramatic lighting effects, and on each table rests a specially designed brass lamp