Some hopeful American Girls with their supportive parent or guardian. Photo: Everett Bogue

The pack of young girls and anxious parents lined up outside (and around) the American Girl Place store today is just as terrifying as you think. These lasses are trying out for the latest in the franchise's film series, this one about Depression-era Kit Kittredge. (Sample line: "Amelia Earhart’s supposed to be there! And we can go on the sky ride and see wonderful things.") Many of these girls are out for a fun shot at a dream, which makes the whole process sweet and entertaining. But there is the unhealthy share of overachievers with headshots and the usual ration of stage mothers providing supportive dialogue such as "Don't be a failure and disappoint Mom!" Come back tomorrow for the uncomfortable video.