this movie be actually a very high quality soap opera . the story be well and a be the acting and direction and but still down deep this be a soap . now this isn not mean a a criticism and but this be more a description of all the plot twist and betrayal sort of like a season of a typical soap squeeze into one movie . kirk douglas do a really good job of portray a sociopathic user a hollywood big shot who stomp on all his friend and enemy alike in order to get ahead . he be the major star and focus of the film and despite it have a very strong support cast . after you see this film and try to find the sequel and two week in another town . while it isn not quite a good and it still an excellent film and show what happen to people like kirk once their star have fade .