On some level, romantic movies need a memorable monologue in order for the entire film to work. Those films need the leading man trying his best to woo his reluctant love interest, and they need the teenage girl who knows better than her father to explain to him why her beau's intentions are true. Love stories without classic speeches embedded in them almost don't feel real.
Here are five of the most memorable monologues in classic love story movies:
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1. Vivien Leigh in "Gone With the Wind" (1939)
Though there are more famous lines uttered in this classic, Leigh's fiery speech is perfect for her character. "As God as my witness, they're not going to lick me," she exclaims. "I'm going to live through this, and when it's all over, I'll never be hungry again. No, nor any of my folk. If I have to lie, steal, cheat, or kill. As God as my witness, I'll never be hungry again."
2. Humphrey Bogart in "Casablanca" (1942)
One of the most famous movie endings of all, Bogart's character has to convince Ingrid Bergman's character that she needs to board an escaping airplane. Two of the most famous lines in movie history ("We'll always have Paris," and "Here's looking at you, kid") are muttered by Bogart in his short monologue.
Wrote The New York Times in its initial review of this classic movie, "The performances of the actors are all of the first order, but especially those of Mr. Bogart and Miss Bergman in the leading roles."
3. Olivia Hussey in "Romeo and Juliet" (1968)
One of the most famous scenes in literature was captured beautifully in this film. "Wherefore art thou, Romeo" might be the most famous line in the entire play, but the monologue afterward by Hussey was pure poetry.
Roger Ebert wrote in 2000 about the film, "When the balcony scene was shot, I remember the heedless energy that Hussey threw into it, take after take, hurling herself almost off the balcony for hungry kisses."
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4. Jennifer Grey in "Dirty Dancing" (1987)
Standing up to her father, Grey's character explains why he disappointed her in his disapproval of her romantic interest. Says her character, Baby: "I’m sorry I lied to you. But you lied too. You told me everyone was alike and deserved a fair break. But you meant everyone who was like you ... If you love me, you have to love all the things about me. And I love you, and I’m sorry I let you down. I’m so sorry, Daddy. But you let me down too."
5. Billy Crystal in "When Harry Met Sally" (1989)
As Harry tries to win Sally back after he realizes his love for her, he creates a dynamic monologue topped off by this kicker: "I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."
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