Director Ferrand (Truffaut) is working on a mediocre romantic melodrama with sullen actor Alphonse (Leaud) who falls for his married co-star Julie (Bissset) in just one of the off-screen stories that's more interesting than what's being filmed. A wryly affectionate look at the profession of moviemaking--its craft, character, and the personalities that interact against the performances commanded by the camera. In French with English subtitles.