Professional Sweetheart

Glory is a young, star-struck performer who embodies the Purity Girl image but secretly longs for nightlife, romance, and independence. She is idealistic yet easily swayed by those who promise glamour and security. Her growth comes from navigating professional pressure, jealousy, and love while choosing between a carefully crafted public persona and personal happiness.

Jim is a bashful, earnest Kentucky man chosen to be Glory’s ‘Anglo-Saxon’ sweetheart. He enters the spotlight reluctantly and discovers the marriage is a publicity stunt. His loyalty and decent nature push him to pursue a sincere relationship with Glory, even as he confronts the entertainment machine’s manipulation.

Speed is a savvy press agent who schemes to keep Glory in the spotlight. He believes a romantic angle and calculated publicity will maximize profits, and he relentlessly pitches plans that blur the line between reality and promotion. His manipulative tactics create tension and propel the story toward a climactic reveal.

Ipswich is the sponsor who manufactures Glory’s image and wants her public persona to match a wholesome, marketable brand. He represents corporate interests in entertainment, constantly weighing risks and rewards of stunts and contracts. His plans drive much of the plot’s conflict and resolution.

Tim Kelsey is the rival radio program owner who attempts to win Glory through aggressive promotion. His actions reflect the cutthroat nature of show business and the competition to secure top talent and audience loyalty. He is a catalyst for the clash between competing sponsors.

O'Connor acts as a helper to Jim and Glory but harbors his own agenda. His involvement underscores the murky alliances in radio promotion and hints at underhanded schemes that arise when multiple interests collide.

Vera is Glory’s maid who provides a window into Harlem nightlife and the life Glory longs for. Her perspective highlights themes of social difference and the allure of the city’s evening world. She serves as a contrast to Glory’s sheltered, image-conscious life.

Elmerada is the 'sob sister' reporter who presses Glory for the truth behind her public image. Her presence emphasizes media scrutiny and the tension between reality and sensational reporting in show business.

Appleby is part of the supporting crew whose actions help illustrate the bustling backstage world of a radio program and the range of characters that surround a show’s star.