Character Relationship Map: Poker Widows

Characters

• Professor Thomas Regan (played by Arthur Stone) — protagonist

  Dance instructor Arthur Stone who receives a private lesson call from Miss O'Leary and hides through a window when the door knocks, ending up in an apartment where Boteler is playing poker.

• Patsy - Dance Student (played by Patsy O'Leary) — supporting

  Referred to as Patsy O'Leary or Miss O'Leary in the plot; she calls dance instructor Arthur Stone for a private lesson at her apartment because her husband plays poker every night.

• Mrs. Thomas Regan (played by Gertrude Astor) — supporting

  Identified as Gertrude Astor in the text; described as a jealous woman and the wife of dance instructor Arthur Stone.

• Bill - Patsy's Husband (played by Wade Boteler) — supporting

  Identified as Wade Boteler in the text; described as a jealous man who goes out to play poker every night, with his apartment becoming the location where Stone hides.

Story Analysis

A comedic setup exploring jealousy, alibis, and accidental encounters between two married couples.

Plot Progression

1. Jealousy Established — The film introduces two couples defined by mutual jealousy and suspicion. Both Gertrude Astor and Wade Boteler are characterized by their jealous nature.
2. The Alibi Plan — Patsy orchestrates a private dance lesson with Arthur to manage her husband's poker habit. The phone call establishes a strategic alliance between the wife and the instructor.
3. The Window Escape — A sudden interruption forces Arthur to flee through a window into a neighboring unit. The frantic maneuver shifts the scene from a private lesson to an unexpected crossover.
4. Poker Room Revelation — Arthur accidentally stumbles upon Wade's poker game, creating an ironic convergence. The setup resolves through situational irony as the jealous husbands collide.