The glamour and superficiality surrounding the London theatre scene of the 1930s is brought to life in István Szabó's stylish comedy drama. Based on a W Somerset Maugham novella, it's an atmospheric tale of impetuous love and calculating revenge. An effervescent Annette Bening plays the 40-something stage actress and society queen, who begins a turbulent affair with a gold-digging young American (Shaun Evans). Initially energised by their illicit meetings, the married diva is increasingly pained by Evans's playboy ways, particularly his relationship with a beautiful acting hopeful (Lucy Punch). This character-driven piece benefits from solid performances and a sharply amusing script. Although Bening occasionally overplays her role, she's no less appealing for it, while Michael Gambon is fabulous as her ghostly mentor. The film may be too affected for modern tastes, but it does delightfully convey the charms and idiosyncrasies of inter-war luvviedom.

Julia Lambert is a true diva: beautiful, talented, weathly and famous. She has it all - including a devoted husband who has mastermined her brilliant career - but after years of shining in the spotlight she begins to suffer from a severe case of boredom and longs for something new and exciting to put the twinkle back in her eye. Julia finds exactly what she's looking for in a handsome young American fan, but it isn't long before the novelty fling adds a few more sparks than she was hoping for. Fortuately for her, this surprise twist in the plot will thrust her back into the greatest role of her life.