Photos: James Franco, “General Hospital” and MOCA

MOCA Director Jeffrey Deitch, in glasses, arrives at the event, to which soap fans and arts patrons were invited to watch the taping of an episode of “General Hospital.” James Franco has been appearing on the soap opera as an artist named ... Franco.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

A ‘50s-style diner was one of four sets erected in the plaza of the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

In character in tux and slicked hair, James Franco interacts with fans at the “Soap at MOCA” event.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

James Franco faces a sea of pictures of himself as fans request autographs at “Soap at MOCA.”  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

The late-afternoon sun throws long shadows across the “Soap at MOCA” event at the Pacific Design Center.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

James Franco, left, talks with MOCA Director Jeffrey Deitch at “Soap at MOCA.”  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Someone takes a dive during the episode (or, at least, that’s how the cameras read the toss of this dummy). For answers to the mystery, fans of “General Hospital” will have to wait until the episode airs on July 22.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)