Character Relationship Map: Hold That Ghost

Characters

• Chuck Murray (played by Bud Abbott) — protagonist

  Gas station attendant who temporarily works as a waiter at Chez Glamour. After being trapped in a car during a police chase, he inherits a rundown tavern with Ferdie. He helps fight off gangsters and...

• Charlie Smith (played by Marc Lawrence) — supporting

  The gangster's attorney introduces him as an associate, but he secretly plots to steal the hidden money. He arranges a wildcat bus drop-off at the tavern. While searching the basement, he disappears a...

Story Dynamics

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

• Charlie Smith → Chuck Murray (Conflict Secret Adversary) — Charlie covertly works against Chuck's interests while pretending to assist him.

  Charlie Smith is introduced as an associate, but the plot states that he secretly seeks the hidden money and that Chuck is unaware of his plan.

Story Analysis

Two aspiring workers inherit a haunted-looking tavern, survive a treasure hunt and gangster attack, then turn the property into a successful health resort.

Plot Progression

1. From Pumps To Trouble — Chuck begins as a gas station attendant seeking better work. A short-lived nightclub job ends in chaos and dismissal.
2. An Inheritance Under Fire — A police chase ends with a gangster's death and an unusual will. Chuck becomes connected to a rundown tavern and a cryptic money clue.
3. The Associate's Arrangement — Charlie Smith is introduced as an associate and arranges transportation to the tavern. A storm strands the travelers at the isolated property.
4. Mysteries In The Tavern — The tavern becomes a place of disappearances, repeated corpse appearances, foul water, hidden gambling equipment, and apparent ghosts.
5. Treasure And Transformation — The hidden money is found inside the stuffed moose head, drawing armed gang members into a violent pursuit. A false siren ends the threat, and the tavern becomes a health resort.