A group of comedy writers and their associates reflect on the grim reality of war and the staggering loss of life in the Great War. The conversation shifts from somber reflection to personal anecdotes as Morty reveals his mundane military assignment and Eddie attempts to lighten the mood with crude humor.
HART: You know what the Yanks really sang in the great war? We won’t come back, we’ll be buried over there! And they were.
ANDY WHITE: Total number of deaths in the Great War: thirty seven million... I think maybe the adjective great should never precede the word war.
HART: Amen to that. What does God think when he looks down on his creation and sees that…
AND…
Format: Scene · Genre: drama · Source: Blue Moon · Author: Unknown · Characters: Hart, Andy White, Morty Rifkin, Eddie
This scene, "The Great War and God's Tears" from the film Blue Moon, explores war's profound impact. Set in a contemporary period, male characters, primarily comedy writers, transition from a patriotic song to a somber discussion about the immense loss of life in the Great War and the threat of new conflicts. The conversation deftly weaves together themes of patriotism, cynicism, dark humor, and personal vulnerability, culminating in reflective and unexpectedly crude moments.
The characters in this scene – Hart, Andy White, Morty Rifkin, and Eddie – represent male archetypes, aged 30s-60s. Hart appears as a cynical but patriotic figure grappling with war's moral implications. Andy White is the historically conscious and reflective member, providing statistics and drawing parallels to God's sorrow. Morty Rifkin serves as the grounding force, revealing a personal, mundane military assignment that contrasts sharply with the grander discussions of war's horrors. Finally, Eddie functions as the comedic relief, often with dark or crude humor, attempting to cut the tension and showcasing a different coping mechanism.
This scene is excellent for auditions because it provides rich opportunities for actors to display a wide emotional range within a compact timeframe. The shift from somber reflection to cynical humor, and then to Eddie's crude attempts at levity, allows for dynamic character choices and strong contrasts in delivery. It’s a group scene, but each character has distinct moments that highlight individual personalities and acting chops, making it suitable for demonstrating nuanced character work without relying on a monologue. The interplay between the characters also showcases an actor's ability to listen and react authentically.
"The Great War and God's Tears" is particularly well-suited for male actors in the 30-60 age range looking to showcase their versatility in drama. It’s ideal for character actors, everyman types, or even those with a comedic leaning who want to demonstrate their ability to handle somber, reflective material. The scene’s blend of serious themes with moments of dark humor makes it perfect for drama school auditions, general practice, or agent showcases where displaying emotional depth and comedic timing is crucial. Actors comfortable with portraying elements of cynicism, pathos, and wit will find this scene particularly rewarding.
When approaching this scene, focus on internalizing each character's unique perspective on war and loss, rather than merely reciting lines. For Hart and Andy White, consider the weight of their words and the underlying pain or frustration. For Morty, ground his lines in a sense of quiet resignation and a practical, almost ironic, view of his military service. Eddie's character provides a chance to explore how humor, even crude humor, can be a defense mechanism; ensure his attempts at levity land with intentionality. Pay close attention to the pauses in the script, as these moments of silence are crucial for building tension and allowing the emotional impact to sink in.