Long, rambling, critically applauded black comedy which, like most Robert Altman-directed films, starts very well, and has the enticing main setting of a Hollywood studio and its surrounds.

When the film sticks to the plot, it's an intriguing little number in noir style, but interest gradually drains away and you may even get tired before the end of trying to spot all the 65 famous stars who flit in and out of the scenario (only Patrick Swayze actually ended up on the cutting-room floor).

Tim Robbins is a pretty irritating lead, and the original offbeat casting of Chevy Chase might have worked better. Lots of amusing in-jokes about the Hollywood scene, but most of these will undoubtedly fly right over the head of the average viewer.

There's a corker of a 65-minute thriller battling to get out here, but Altman smothers it in top-dressing before the end.