Why does Jerry/Daphne agree to distract the old man?
If they are battling for Sugar's affections, why would Jerry agree to keep the old man away from his yacht?
shareI agree it's not spelt out in the movie why he acquiesces so quickly, but they weren't really "battling one another". I think their primary task was survival. They were friends and Jerry seemed to be "happy" to follow Joe's lead, even when he knew it would probably mean him losing money at the dog track. Notice he doesn't protest much either when Junior sends his diamond bracelet to Sugar as a parting gift.
shareI guess maybe it is because he knew Joe would eventually win Sugar over him with what he was doing (posing as the millionaire) so he allowed him to go on the date with her and probably because Joe (covered in soap suds) nearly gave Jerry a good hiding beforehand when he criticised him for messing Sugar around by putting on the millionaire act!
Marilyn Monroe: I don't want to be rich. I just want to be wonderful.