100 Greatest Movie Characters: 77

"Ilsa, I'm no good at being noble, but it doesn't take much to see that the problems of three little people don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world. Someday you'll understand that. Here's looking at you, kid."

77. Rick Blaine
Casablanca

The original jaded romantic, Rick owns a bar in Nazi-(and Frenchman?)occupied Egypt where he serves everyone from thieves to refugees to Nazi officials and Vichy French. Bitter from losing loves, Rick is a perfect example of classic Hollywood cynicism.

Of course it would be a boring movie if he just remained like this the whole time, so who arrives at Rick's place but the cause for his cynicism, Ilsa. Along with her husband. They're on the run from the Nazis and need papers to flee to America. Rick has said papers. You can see where the trouble would come from.

Not only torn between the love of his life and her safety, but also dealing with his love falling for him again, Rick has no choice but to do what's right for their protection. Humphrey Bogart was always great playing an amazing straight-faced bastard and this is the single best from him. A tough, sarcastic, love-lorn romantic.

Defining moment: His impassioned speech to Ilsa at the end of the film to get on the plane no matter how much she still loves him. Gets me every time.