In Hollywood, appearances are everything - so when conniving film maker Jonathon Shields realises the funeral of his father, a notorious former studio head dearly loathed by many, he hires extras to pose as mourners. When he needs financing for a film project, Shields turns to producer Harry Pebbel, who in turn contacts director Fred Amiel, movie star Georgia Lorrison and screenwriter James Lee Bartlow and asks them into his office to explain that Shields needs the three of them for the project. With their names attached, there would be no problem getting the finance he needs. They have already refused - but Pebbel asks them to allow him to get Shields on the phone before they give their final answer. As they await Shields' call, Pebbel assures the three that he understands why they refused to speak to Shields. Their involvement with Shields then unfolds in a series of flashbacks. Also starring Walter Pidgeon, Dick Powell, Barry Sullivan and Gloria Grahame. This film won five Academy Awards out of six nominations in 1952.