Movie Quote of the Day (‘Tootsie,’ on Being a ‘Cult Failure’)

[Frustrated actor Michael Dorsey has complained that agent George Fields hasn’t found him any job recently. George pushes back, arguing that refusing to compromise about roles makes Michael unemployable.]

George Fields [played by Sydney Pollack]: “OK, I know this is going to disgust you, Michael, but a lot of people are in this business to make money.”

Michael Dorsey [played by Dustin Hoffman]: “You make it out like I'm some flake, George. I am in this business to make money, too.”

George: “Really?”

Michael: “Yes!”

George: “The Harlem Theatre for the Blind? Strindberg in the Park? The People's Workshop in Syracuse?”

Michael: “OK, now wait a minute. I did nine plays in eight months up in Syracuse. I happened to get great reviews from the New York critics, not that that's why I did it.”

George: “Oh, of course not. God forbid you should lose your standing as a cult failure!”— —Tootsie (1982), story by Don McGuire and Larry Gelbart, screenplay by Larry Gelbart and Murray Schisgal, with uncredited contributions by Robert Garland, Barry Levinson and Elaine May, directed by Sydney Pollack

This morning, there are at least a few actors in Hollywood, following last night’s Oscar ceremony, who don’t have to feel like they’re a “cult failure” anymore.