“Cut!” the director called out. “Janice, come here, my dear,” he said, motioning to the young actress to join him under the stone arch.

“Yes, Hal,” she said in an irritated tone. “What is it now?”

“This is supposed to be a somber moment,” he said. “You’re standing in front of a war memorial to those who died in battle for their country. You lost your fiancé during the war and you’re desolate with grief. This scene, and the soliloquy you deliver in it, is your chance to shine. If you can’t manage that, maybe you don’t belong in this movie, or at least not in the lead role.”