Character Relationship Map: Pick a Star

Characters

• Joe Jenkins (played by Jack Haley) — supporting

  A local talent show emcee who moves to Hollywood to launch Cecilia's career after she loses the prize. He works as a nightclub busboy, becomes a studio driver after an accident, and ultimately helps C...

• Rinaldo Lopez (played by Mischa Auer) — supporting

  A Latin lover movie idol whose plane makes an emergency landing in Kansas. He takes Cecilia and her sister to Hollywood and attempts to seduce Cecilia in his apartment, only to be repeatedly knocked o...

• Dagmar (played by Lyda Roberti) — supporting

  A musical star at the studio filming an extravagant number. She storms off the set in a fit of pique, creating an opportunity for Cecilia to step in and successfully debut on screen.

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Joe Jenkins → Dagmar (Professional Connection) — Joe's backstage assistance becomes part of the production opportunity created by Dagmar's departure.

  Joe helps the replacement performer overcome stage fright during a screen test after Dagmar storms off the set.

• Joe Jenkins → Rinaldo Lopez (Professional Associate) — Joe serves as Rinaldo's driver and later assists him despite recognizing the situation's danger.

  Joe drives Rinaldo and the aspiring performer to Rinaldo's apartment, then returns to the studio. Later, Joe stays behind to revive Rinaldo after he i...

Story Dynamics

Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.

• Rinaldo Lopez → Dagmar (Social Studio Associate) — They are connected through the Hollywood studio environment, although the plot gives them no direct personal exchange.

  Rinaldo takes the aspiring performers to the studio to watch Dagmar film an elaborate musical number.

Story Analysis

A disappointed talent-show victory becomes an improvised Hollywood journey in which persistence and support create a final screen opportunity.

Plot Progression

1. A Promise Without Payment — A talent-show victory fails to deliver its promised movie role because the organizer disappears with the prize money. Joe accepts responsibility and commits himself to launching the winner's career.
2. Hollywood Behind The Curtain — Joe sells his garage and moves to Hollywood, but finds only humble nightclub work. He hides the truth in letters while the promised Hollywood journey develops elsewhere.
3. False Glamour And Accidents — Rinaldo's emergency landing leads to a trip toward Hollywood and a surprising reunion with Joe. Joe's deception collapses, but an accident unexpectedly gives him access to a studio job.
4. Chaos On The Studio Lots — The studio visit produces extravagant filming, a dangerous prop misunderstanding, and an uneasy apartment detour. Joe tries to protect the aspiring performer while Rinaldo's intentions create further...
5. The Vacant Spotlight — Studio comedy and musical rivalry lead to Dagmar's departure from the set. Her absence gives the aspiring performer a sudden screen-test opportunity, while Joe provides crucial emotional support.