Leonard Dare, a producer, finds himself without a player strong enough to enact the part of Philip Dawany, one of the important characters of the cast. His company is temporarily dismissed and he returns home. Derwent Hall calls for an interview with Dare. Hall's wife is sick: the doctor has instructed Hall to give her better food and medical attention. Hall, desperate, takes the opportunity of urging Dare to allow him to read his play. Spellbound, Dare listens to the most absurd line of talk he...