When Sir William (Michael Gambon) is found dead soon after his guests arrive at his English estate, Lady Sylvia (Kristin Scott Thomas), Constance (Maggie Smith), Ivor (Jeremy Notham) and his other guests try to make sense of it. Meanwhile, gossip flies among the household help, including Mrs. Wilson (Helen Mirren), Henry (Ryan Philippe) and Parks (Clive Owen). Director Robert Altman's witty murder mystery won an Oscar for its screenplay.