The Ritz

A heterosexual man who hides from a dangerous mobster relative by entering the Ritz. Resourceful and anxious, he navigates a maze of flirtations, threats, and mistaken identities while trying to keep his simmering secrets intact. His willingness to adopt disguises under pressure showcases his adaptability.

A third-rate entertainer who believes Gaetano is a famous producer, then discovers the truth. She embodies a blend of ambition and vulnerability, performing on stage while confronting backstage disappointments. Her relationship with the others unfolds through a mix of bravado and insecurity.

A squeaky-voiced detective hired to track Gaetano. He maneuvers between professional detachment and personal curiosity, guiding Gaetano through the hotel’s rooms while concealing more than he reveals. He becomes both ally and obstacle in the tangled night.

Gaetano’s homicidal brother-in-law and mob patriarch who uses violence to secure his inheritance. He storms into the Ritz with a volatile temper, threatening patrons and staff alike, and orchestrating chaos to uncover Gaetano. His clash with family honor exposes the film’s dark underbelly.

Gaetano’s wife who arrives at the Ritz and is shocked by her husband’s disguise. She represents the pull of domestic life and social expectations, ultimately playing a part in Gaetano and Carmine’s reconciliation. Her presence tests loyalty and complicates the hidden truths.

A man who propositions Gaetano, later tied into the evening’s tangled web of sexuality and mistaken assumptions. His encounters highlight the film’s humor and discomfort in sexual dynamics within a public space. He becomes part of the chain of misunderstandings that drive the plot.

One of Googie’s go-go boy dancers who anchors the poolside entertainment. The duo adds exuberance to the club’s atmosphere while serving as casual catalysts for the night’s chaos. Their presence underlines the showmanship central to Googie’s act.

Googie’s second go-go partner, complementing Tiger in the poolside routine. Their carefree energy contrasts with the tension elsewhere in the Ritz, highlighting the film’s lively, chaotic mood. They symbolize the performative aspect of nightlife.

A relative in Gaetano’s circle whose interactions emphasize the family ties at stake. She participates in the social whirl around the Ritz, contributing to the drama that unfolds as secrets surface. Her perspective adds to the film’s ensemble dynamic.

The Vespucci patriarch whose ownership of the Ritz adds a generational layer to the plot. His influence frames the conflicts over inheritance and power, ultimately tying the family saga to the hotel itself. His role anchors the story’s mob-family backdrop.