'Surely you don't expect subtlety in an American comedy? ' one filmgoer reproached his companion after a preview of this venture about a gay teacher (Kevin Kline) who 'comes out' after 20 years 'in'.

Well no. But laughs would have been nice. And there aren't any here.

Generally tastleless and consistently unbelievable, the story has Kline 'outed' by a former pupil, now a star (Matt Dillon) on an Oscar telecast.

This is news to Kline, who's getting married to fellow teacher Joan Cusack in three days' time.

The situations that follow will make you cringe rather than chuckle as Kline, denying everything, is pursued by reporter Tom Selleck (as another over-aged 'outer') in more ways than one, while mum Debbie Reynolds insists on a wedding.

The script sinks to its final low when all Kline's students and friends declare themselves to be gay to save his job.

The awful thing is that Hollywood probably thinks this is a progressive comedy. It isn't.

TRIVIA: The Oscar statuette used in the film is the one awarded to Kevin Kline for A Fish called Wanda.