The Kid from Brooklyn

A well-meaning milkman whose every move is turned into showbiz by publicity. He develops a swollen ego as he travels on tour, believing his own hype despite realizing the fights have been fixed. He struggles with retirement, ultimately choosing to leave boxing with a clear conscience after a charity bout goes awry. His good-natured perseverance and nimble foot-work carry the comedy through the plot.

A beautiful, out-of-work singer who crosses paths with Burleigh and tries to help him fit into the showbiz world. She challenges his inflated ego and provides a romantic counterpoint to the publicity-driven arc. Her mix of charm and practicality keeps her grounded amid the spectacle.

Burleigh’s sister and a performer at the club, she becomes entangled in the showbiz scheme as the plot unfolds. She cares for her brother but grows frustrated with the way publicity corrupts their ambitions. Her relationship with Speed adds tension and humor to the touring life.

The scheming manager who engineers Burleigh’s publicity-driven boxing career. He pushes the publicity machine, steering Burleigh toward fights that are fixed for headlines and profits. His patronizing charm and tactical thinking drive much of the plot’s misdirection.

A drunken and reckless boxer who is manipulated as part of the publicity scheme and becomes Burleigh’s rival. He’s knocked out repeatedly, highlighting the absurdity of the fixed fights. His relationship with Susie provides a secondary romantic thread and adds to the story’s comedic energy.

A socialite who organizes a charity fundraiser that frames the climactic bout. She embodies the era’s high-society sponsorship, unwittingly enabling the spectacle fueling Burleigh’s career. Her actions directly influence the outcome and Burleigh’s retirement.

A former dairy boss who buys Burleigh’s contract and orchestrates the staged boxing plan for publicity. He represents the business side of showbiz, turning a skilled appearance into a profitable venture. His actions tie Burleigh’s fate to the dairy company’s ambitions.

A hard-edged fixer and bodyguard who helps run the staged fights. He acts as a muscle-in-the-crowd presence, keeping others in line and enabling the publicity machine. The character heightens the comic tension and contrasts with Burleigh’s good nature.