He Couldn’t Say No

Lambert is a meek linoleum company employee who buys a statue at auction out of affection for Iris Mabby. He refuses to sell it for a fortune when Senator Mabby tries to buy it, drawing media attention. His quick plan to outsmart the thieves shows his growing resolve. In the end, he wins Iris's affection and regains his job.

Iris is Senator Mabby's daughter, a socialite who isn't swayed by money or status. She recognizes Lambert's quiet integrity and urges him to stand firm against her father's campaign. She helps drive the romance and challenges Lambert to act decisively. Her loyalty culminates in a shared future with Lambert.

Senator Mabby is a public figure campaigning against nudity, trying to shield his family from scandal. He tries to buy the statue to prevent embarrassment, then discovers his tactics backfire in the face of Iris's indifference. His obsession with image shows the clash between politics and personal life. The episode exposes the limits of public virtue when confronted with art and desire.

Violet Coney is Lambert's girlfriend; her mother insists they marry now that he gets a raise. She resents the idea of waiting and is upset by Lambert's refusal to marry quickly. Her plans contrast with Iris's bold independence. Her feelings are secondary to the plot's romantic turn.

Julia Becker is the sculptor who created the statue and visits Lambert. She plans to send two companion statues and is practical about art's value. Her role bridges the world of art and the personal tension around the statue. Her involvement helps move the story toward a resolution.

Hymie Atlas is a small-time crook who decides the statue will fetch a fortune. He and his thugs Dimples and Slug drive into Lambert's life, forcing a price of 150,000. He underestimates Lambert's ingenuity and ends up in custody after the scheme collapses. His greed exposes the danger of manipulating art for money.

Slug is a burly thug who helps guard the plan to steal the statue. He participates in the bid and later is captured. He demonstrates the bluster of criminals who misread Lambert's resolve.

Dimples is a second thug who hides in Lambert's apartment. He is knocked out when Lambert uses quick thinking to shift the balance of power. He becomes a tool in Hymie Atlas's plan, but the scheme fails. He is captured.

Oxnard O. Parsons is the linoleum company boss who gives Lambert a raise and later rehires him after Lambert stands up to the thieves. He embodies practical business oversight and a reward for integrity. He recognizes Lambert's initiative and supports the moral victory with a job back.

Mrs. Coney is Violet's mother who pushes marriage as a social safeguard. She represents conventional expectations and fears scandal from the statue episode. Her objections heighten the pressure on Lambert and underline the social stakes of his choice.