Character Relationship Map: Cross My Heart

Characters

• Peggy Harper (played by Betty Hutton) — protagonist

  A chorus girl who takes a daytime secretarial job to see her lawyer boyfriend more often. She is accused of murdering her boss and confesses to secure his defense, aiming to showcase his courtroom tal...

• Wallace Brent (played by Howard Freeman) — supporting

  Peggy Harper's employer. He is accused of harassing her at the office, which leads to her being framed for his murder.

Canonical Relationships

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

• Peggy Harper → Wallace Brent (Professional Employer And Employee) — Wallace Brent employs Peggy Harper as his private secretary.

  Peggy Harper takes a job as a private secretary for Wallace Brent.

Story Analysis

Peggy Harper's attempt to change jobs leads to a murder accusation and a calculated confession designed to secure a lawyer's defense.

Plot Progression

1. Leaving the Chorus — Peggy Harper quits her chorus girl job. She seeks daytime work so she can see her lawyer boyfriend more often.
2. Trouble at the Office — Peggy becomes Wallace Brent's private secretary. Wallace's unwanted physical advances make the new job intolerable.
3. The Nighttime Accusation — Peggy flees the office but returns that night for her coat, purse, and hat. Her return brings her into contact with the police and a murder accusation.
4. A Calculated Confession — Peggy confesses after being accused of murdering her boss. She does so to secure her lawyer boyfriend's defense and give him an opportunity to display his courtroom talent.