Writer Sampson Wilkes has come to Century Studios to oversee production on his latest screenplay. He is immediately attracted to Laura Dean, and an affair begins. He clashes with Kevin, who finds the plot of Sampson's screenplay to be unbelieveable: the male lead in the drama suddenly changes his outlook on life, which Kevin thinks is dramatically invalid. Kevin's involvement in the project is so intense, his wife Marjorie turns to contract player Tom Hutson for attention. When Kevin realizes that Marjorie has had an affair with Tom, he is stunned, but willing to try to repair the marriage. The mystery of the change in Sampson's character's perspective is ultimately explained by Sampson's first wife: Sampson is dying. Laura vows to make the most of their time together. When Sampson finally dies, Kevin understands the basis for the character's change, i.e., that the character realizes the value of life when he realizes that his is about to end. Guest Starring: Joseph Campanel