Character Relationship Map: Please

Characters

• Howard Jones (played by Bing Crosby) — protagonist

  An aspiring singer who uses the name Howard Jones while pursuing Beth Sawyer's affection. He wins over the recital audience with a song, but Elmer Smoot discovers his identity and exposes him, humilia...

• Beth Sawyer (played by Mary Kornman) — supporting

  A vocal teacher sponsoring an upcoming music recital, Beth becomes the focus of both Howard Jones's and Elmer Smoot's romantic interest. She is pleased by Howard's performance but feels humiliated whe...

• Elmer Smoot (played by Vernon Dent) — supporting

  An aspiring singer and rival for Beth Sawyer's affection, Elmer hopes to drive Howard Jones off the radio without initially recognizing him. His recital performance is ruined when Howard's dog runs on...

• Sonny's Father (played by Dick Elliott) — supporting
• Sonny (played by Dickie Kibby) — supporting

Canonical Relationships

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

• Sonny's Father → Sonny (father)
• Elmer Smoot → Beth Sawyer (Romantic Interest) — Elmer's unreturned or unsuccessful affection creates the romantic rivalry.

  Elmer Smoot has a crush on Beth Sawyer and competes with Howard Jones for her affection during the recital.

• Howard Jones → Beth Sawyer (Romantic Interest) — Howard's romantic pursuit of Beth drives the reconciliation at the ending.

  The plot states that Howard Jones and Elmer Smoot both have a crush on Beth Sawyer. Howard later sings beneath Beth's window, and she forgives him bef...

Story Dynamics

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

• Howard Jones → Elmer Smoot (Conflict Rival) — Their rivalry combines romantic competition with professional resentment.

  The plot describes Howard and Elmer as bitter rivals for Beth's affection. Elmer also hopes to drive Howard's radio identity off the air.

Story Analysis

A concealed identity fuels a comic romantic rivalry before music, forgiveness, and mistaken revenge resolve the conflict.

Plot Progression

1. A Rivalry Begins — Howard Jones and Elmer Smoot both pursue Beth Sawyer. Beth's sponsored recital gives their romantic and professional rivalry a public stage.
2. The Ruined Performance — Elmer performs "Dear Old Girl," but Howard's dog runs onto the stage and disrupts the song. Beth becomes embarrassed and angry.
3. The Hidden Identity — Howard performs under his pseudonym and wins the audience over. Elmer finds a signed photograph and recognizes the connection.
4. Public Humiliation — Elmer exposes Howard's identity to the audience, amusing them but humiliating Beth. The romantic rivalry reaches its most painful point.
5. Serenade and Mistaken Revenge — Howard sings "Please" through Beth's window, and Beth forgives him before they kiss. Elmer ends the story by destroying a car he wrongly identifies as Howard's.