Character Relationship Map: Washington Merry-Go-Round

Characters

• Button Gwinett Brown (played by Lee Tracy) — protagonist

  An idealistic new congressman who refuses bribes and vows to eliminate corruption in Washington. He clashes with Senator Norton over bootlegging interests, loses his seat to a rigged recount, but ulti...

• Alice Wylie (played by Constance Cummings) — supporting

  The granddaughter of Senator Wylie, whose romantic interests are pursued by both Senator Norton and Congressman Brown. She actively assists Brown in reclaiming his lost congressional seat and fighting...

• Senator Wylie (played by Walter Connolly) — supporting

  An elder and influential senator who is Alice's grandfather. He supports the idealistic Congressman Brown and provides crucial assistance in helping him recover his political position after a fraudule...

• Willis (played by Arthur Hoyt) — supporting
• Edward T. Norton (played by Alan Dinehart) — supporting

  A powerful and corrupt senator who attempts to co-opt Congressman Brown to assist Prohibition bootleggers. He pursues Alice and orchestrates a fraudulent election recount to silence Brown's anti-corru...

• Beef Brannigan (played by Arthur Vinton) — supporting
• Speaker of the House (played by Berton Churchill) — supporting
• Ambassador Conti (played by Clay Clement) — supporting
• Honest John Kelleher (played by Frank Sheridan) — supporting
• Worker (played by Bull Anderson) — supporting
• Clarence (played by Clarence Muse) — supporting
• Senate Clerk (played by Bobby Burns) — minor
• Hotel Desk Clerk (played by Ramsay Hill) — minor
• Martin - Wylie's Secretary (played by Sam Godfrey) — minor
• Worker (played by Cyril Armbrister) — minor
• Senator (played by Richard Kipling) — minor
• Carl Tilden (played by Wallis Clark) — minor
• Alice's Aunt (played by Jane Darwell) — minor
• Erickson (played by Allan Cavan) — minor
• Party Guest (played by Charles K. French) — minor

Story Analysis

An idealistic congressman battles systemic corruption and fraud to restore democratic integrity in Washington.

Plot Progression

1. The Idealistic Arrival — A new congressman enters Washington with a strict anti-corruption vow, immediately clashing with entrenched political interests.
2. Shadows of Corruption — Bootlegging schemes and political maneuvering escalate as the newcomer refuses to compromise, triggering a coordinated backlash.
3. The Stolen Seat — A fraudulent recount strips the reformer of his position, forcing him into a strategic alliance with Senator Wylie and Alice.
4. Restoration and Reform — Evidence gathering and public pressure culminate in a judicial victory, paving the way for systemic political cleanup.