Why does Ugarte trust Rick with the exit visas?
Why does Ugarte trust Rick with the exit visas in Casablanca? Ugarte says,
You know, I have many a friend in Casablanca, but somehow because you despise me, you're the only one I trust.
What does he mean by this?
Best Answer
Ugarte was in a shady business, hence his "friends" were also likely shady characters. He couldn't trust them, because these friendships would not survive the temptation of profiting from the letters of transit.
Since Rick showed such clear disdain for him and his line of work, Ugarte reasoned Rick would not steal from him. The thinking being, if Rick despised thieves and hustlers, he was therefore not one himself, and hence the most trustworthy option.
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How does Rick feel about Ugarte and why?
Rick is also Ugarte's friend, as the two talk a lot and Ugarte is allowed to run his business at Rick's. However, Rick's disdain for him reveals his honesty. Ugarte realizes that Rick is still his friend despite his obvious disdain for his work, and an honest friend at that.Did Ugarte murder the couriers?
He never admits it to Rick, but Ugarte either murdered those German couriers himself, or else paid someone to do it for him in order to get hold of letters of transit to sell.What happens to Ugarte?
It's later mentioned that Ugarte is executed by the guards offscreen, though Captain Renault passes his death as either him having been killed while trying to escape or him committing suicide.Something Even You Have Never Seen - Letters of Transit.mov
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Answer 2
I have a different interpretation from the other answer.
When you're someone with power, you always have friends. People that treat you well, and seem to enjoy your company. But you never know why they are actually friendly to you. It might be that they are just interested in what you can do for them.
Rick is also Ugarte's friend, as the two talk a lot and Ugarte is allowed to run his business at Rick's. However, Rick's disdain for him reveals his honesty. Ugarte realizes that Rick is still his friend despite his obvious disdain for his work, and an honest friend at that. His other friends might feel the same disdain, but don't show it because they don't want to offend the guy with power, just like employees kiss-ass to their bosses.
It is because of Rick's honest disdain that Ugarte trusts him.
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Images: Andrea Piacquadio, Anna Shvets, Pixabay, RF._.studio