[2] When the leading lady drops out of a new film to be shot in New Orleans, studio head James Manning seeks an unknown actress to be his new star.

He finds four leading candidates and employs aspiring director Mike Snowden to conduct their screen tests.

Handsome actor Tom Grant is interested in Vicki and publicist Ted Larabee promotes her, neither aware that she is a married woman.

Ina is introduced to Mike's moody composer friend Johnny Pryor, while Maria is seduced by Spencer Farrington, Jr., a playboy hotelier.

Kathy fails her screen test, but realizes Mike wants to pursue a personal relationship with her.