After young playwright, David Shayne obtains funding for his play from gangster Nick Valenti, Nick's girlfriend Olive miraculously lands the role of a psychiatrist—but not only is she a bimbo who could never pass for a psychiatrist—she's a dreadful actress. David puts up with the leading man who is a compulsive eater, the grand dame who wants her part jazzed up, and Olive's interfering hitman/bodyguard—but, eventually he must decide whether art or life is more important.

John Cusack
as David Shayne

Chazz Palminteri
as Cheech

Dianne Wiest
as Helen Sinclair

Jennifer Tilly
as Olive Neal

Mary-Louise Parker
as Ellen

Tracey Ullman
as Eden Brent

Jim Broadbent
as Warner Purcell

Joe Viterelli
as Nick Valenti

Harvey Fierstein
as Sid Loomis

Rob Reiner
as Sheldon Flender
CinemaSerf
Despite his obvious enthusiasm, "Shayne" (John Cusack) can't convince producer (Jack Warden) to raise the cash to put on his latest play. There's just no demand for it, especially as his first two efforts didn't exactly set the heather on fire. Then an opportunity presents itself. It's one with comp...