Alec Howe / Black Arrow — Du Barry Was a Lady Character Profile

About Alec Howe / Black Arrow

Master of ceremonies in love with May. In the dream, he plays the Black Arrow, incites the peasantry to revolt, infiltrates Du Barry's life, and is sentenced to death before being spared due to her intervention.

Character Facts

Played by

Gene Kelly

Appears in

Du Barry Was a Lady (1943)

Role

Supporting

Relationships (3)

• Alec Howe / Black Arrow — Romantic Rival — Louis Blore / King Louis XV (Red Skelton)

  Louis and Alec compete for May's affection through different means.

• Alec Howe / Black Arrow — Romantic Unrequited Love — May Daly / Madame Du Barry (Lucille Ball)

  May loves Alec but prioritizes financial security over her true feelings.

• Alec Howe / Black Arrow — Narrative Court Figure — Charlie / Dauphin (Rags Ragland)

  Both occupy significant roles in the dream's royal and rebel factions.

Explore the full interactive character relationship map of Du Barry Was a Lady

More characters from Du Barry Was a Lady

• Louis Blore / King Louis XV (Red Skelton)
• May Daly / Madame Du Barry (Lucille Ball)
• Ginny (Virginia O'Brien)
• Rami, the Swami / Taliostra (Zero Mostel)
• Charlie / Dauphin (Rags Ragland)
• Mr. Jones / Duc de Choiseul (Donald Meek)
• Cheezy / Count de Roquefort (George Givot)
• Tommy Dorsey (Tommy Dorsey)
• Niagara (Louise Beavers)
• Willie / Duc de Rigor (Douglass Dumbrille)
• Mrs. McGowan (uncredited) (Kay Aldridge)
• Club Patron (uncredited) (Brooks Benedict)