Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Clifton/Peppy Miller

Lucky for George, he's always got at least two people looking out for him (three, if we count Jack the dog). Wherever George is, Clifton is always within a stone's throw, blessing everything around him with his comforting presence. He carries George home from the bar when he's had one too many, sticks with him for a year unpaid, and even gives him fatherly wisdom when he's hesitant to work in sound film, warning George to "beware of [his] pride."

It seems fitting that one of Peppy's big movies is called Guardian Angel as she, too, likes to watch over George. She takes him home from the hospital to recover, catches him in her arms when he faints (he sure seems to be carried a lot) and buys all his marble busts and oil paintings at the auction (although this last move doesn't go over too well).

Although George initially acts as a mentor to Peppy (saving her tush when Zimmer wants to kick her off set), it's Peppy who finally convinces George to get back in front of the camera, helping him overcome his stubborn streak and dance his way into the future.