The Well Groomed Bride

Margie is a spirited fiancée whose wedding plans get derailed by a battle of wits—competing schemes, jealousy, and a shared bottle of champagne. She is quick-witted and impulsive, using clever moves to test Dudley and bend events in her favor. Her evolving feelings reveal a capacity for warmth and loyalty beneath playfulness and fear of abandonment. Her choices drive the romance and the caper with charm and courage.

A determined Navy lieutenant who bets on a two-week furlough and a promotion by delivering the last magnum of champagne. He is resourceful and persistent, using charm to influence those around him, yet his feelings for Margie hint at genuine affection beyond ambition. His pursuit intertwines with rivalries and a moment of confession that deepens the romance. He embodies the tension between duty and desire in wartime life.

An Oregon football star and Margie's former fiancé who remains confident and competitive. He initially resists relinquishing the champagne but ultimately puts patriotism first, offering the bottle for the ship's christening. His pride drives some conflict, but his actions show a capacity for growth when national duty takes priority. He embodies the balance between personal pride and public service.

Dudley's former girlfriend who reappears to stir up plans and provoke Margie. She is savvy, bold, and willing to manipulate events to her advantage, then pivots as patriotism and romance reshape her motivations. Her involvement adds tension and wit, underscoring the social maneuvering behind the wedding and ship christening. Rita's choices reflect the era's blend of personal ambition and communal duty.

The ship's captain, a figure of authority who enforces rules and tradition. He orchestrates arrests and resolutions, ensuring the christening ceremony proceeds with proper decorum. His control of the situation contrasts with the romantic chaos around him, highlighting the military's grip on personal lives during wartime. He embodies duty, discipline, and ceremonial integrity.