Character Relationship Map: Keep Smiling

Characters

• The Boy (played by Monty Banks) — protagonist

  A fisherman's son who fears water due to his father's death at sea. He invents a lifesaving device to present to shipping magnate James P. Ryan. Due to a letter mix-up, he is mistaken for famed racer...

• James P. Ryan (played by Robert Edeson) — protagonist

  A wealthy shipping magnate and the intended recipient of the Boy's lifesaving device invention. His entry in the classic race is scheduled to be handled by Bordanni.

• Bordanni (played by Donald Morelli) — minor

  A famous motor boat racer whose introduction letter gets mixed up with the Boy's. He is scheduled to handle Ryan's entry in the classic race the following day.

Canonical Relationships

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

• James P. Ryan → Bordanni (Professional Employer And Racer) — James P. Ryan relies on Bordanni to manage his race entry.

  Bordanni is described as the famed motor boat racer who is to handle James P. Ryan's entry in the following day's race.

• The Boy → James P. Ryan (Professional Inventor And Intended Recipient) — The Boy seeks James P. Ryan's consideration for his lifesaving invention.

  The Boy invents a lifesaving device and wishes to submit it to James P. Ryan, a wealthy shipping magnate.

Story Dynamics

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

• The Boy → Bordanni (Narrative Mistaken Identity) — A letter mix-up places The Boy in Bordanni's apparent role.

  The Boy's letter of introduction gets mixed up with a letter introducing Bordanni, causing the Boy to be treated as the famous racer.

Story Analysis

A water-fearing fisherman's son is mistaken for a famous racer and turns an accidental race entry into an unlikely victory.

Plot Progression

1. Fear Beneath The Waves — The Boy grows up in a fishing village after his father is lost at sea. His fear of water contrasts with his invention of a lifesaving device.
2. The Letter Mix-Up — The Boy seeks to present his invention to James P. Ryan. His introduction is confused with Bordanni's, unexpectedly placing him in the racer's social and professional circumstances.
3. A False Racer's Welcome — The Boy is rushed into a party and given clothes that fit except for the shoes. He remains caught inside the mistaken identity surrounding Ryan's race entry.
4. The Impossible Race — The classic race begins despite The Boy's fear of water and lack of knowledge. Houses, boats, bridges, and docks become increasingly dangerous obstacles.
5. Victory Through Invention — The Boy's boat is demolished, but his lifesaving device saves him. Against all setbacks and adverse circumstances, he wins the race.