FRAN: Good evening, Mr. Sheldrake.
SHELDRAKE: Please, Fran -- not so loud.
FRAN: Still afraid somebody may see us together?
SHELDRAKE: Let me take that. I see you went ahead and cut your hair.
FRAN: That's right.
Music to String Her Along By — The Apartment
Fran meets her former lover and boss, Jeff Sheldrake, at a restaurant after six weeks apart. She attempts to maintain a cynical, guarded exterior regarding their failed affair, while he tries to convince her that he is finally serious about leaving his wife for her.
Format: Scene · Genre: Comedy-Drama · Source: The Apartment · Author: Billy Wilder · Characters: Fran, Sheldrake, Waiter
About This Scene
This compelling scene, "Music to String Her Along By," plunges us into the aftermath of a defunct office romance. Fran, an Ingenue type in her 20s-30s, confronts her former lover and boss, Jeff Sheldrake, an older Authority Figure, following six weeks of no contact. The setting is a restaurant, providing a public yet intimate backdrop for their private turmoil as Fran attempts to maintain a facade of indifference while Sheldrake tries to rekindle their affair with false promises.
Character Analysis
Fran is a character defined by vulnerability, attempting to shield her heartbreak with a veneer of cynicism and wit. Her dialogue reveals a deep hurt and a desire to protect herself from further disappointment, yet a part of her still yearns for the sincerity Sheldrake can't offer. Sheldrake, on the other hand, is a master manipulator. He is smooth, charming, and self-serving, using practiced lines and an air of desperation to try and regain control over Fran, all while clearly prioritizing his own comfort and reputation. The Waiter serves as a brief, almost mechanical presence, highlighting the public nature of their fraught reunion without becoming actively involved.
Why This Works for Auditions
This scene is an excellent choice for auditions due to its well-defined character arcs and the clear power dynamics at play. It offers rich emotional territory for actors to explore, moving from feigned indifference to simmering resentment and underlying pain for Fran, and manipulative charm to thinly veiled self-interest for Sheldrake. The dialogue is sharp and witty, characteristic of the Comedy-Drama genre, providing opportunities for actors to showcase both comedic timing and dramatic depth. The compact duration and group format also make it versatile for various audition settings.
Best Suited For
This scene is ideally suited for actors seeking material for drama school auditions, agent showcases, or self-tapes, particularly those in the 25-35 age range. It shines a spotlight on actors capable of portraying complex emotions, making it perfect for those auditioning for vulnerable, sophisticated, or business executive roles. The clear character types—Ingenue for Fran and Authority Figure for Sheldrake—allow actors to demonstrate their ability to embody distinct personas within a modern-classic tone.
Performance Tips
For Fran, focus on the subtext of her emotional pain beneath her sarcastic remarks and forced nonchalance. Her wistful smile and the line about the shrimp reveal her true struggle to keep her emotions in check. For Sheldrake, highlight his calculated charm and subtle nervousness. His attempts to control the situation, from taking her coat to feigning missing her, should underscore his manipulative nature. Both characters should pay close attention to the rhythm and pacing of the dialogue, allowing the witty exchanges to land while also building the underlying tension and emotional stakes of their confrontation.