Based on real events, The Night We Called It A Day recounts Frank Sinatra's infamous 1974 visit to Australia where, with a few tactless comments about the press, he incurred the wrath of the unions and became a prisoner in his hotel room. Dennis Hopper slips into the shoes of Ol' Blue Eyes almost without blinking while a clash of cultures lurks at the heart of this sprightly and engaging comedy, let down only by a soggy romantic sub-plot.

Rod Blue from Woolloomooloo (a charismatic Joel Edgerton) is the go-getting promoter who convinces Sinatra that Australia loves him and sinks everything he owns into setting up the tour. But ambitious journo Hilary Hunter (Portia de Rossi) gets under Frank's skin, leading to his offensive remarks for which union members deny him everything from room service to fuel for his private jet until he apologises.

"TOO FLIMSY"

Leaving aside his stiff gait and the improbable notion that he can actually sing (in fact, he mimes to cover versions) Hopper gives Sinatra a sinister edge, perhaps deservedly so. And from the mod-handed antics of the crooner's minders as they try to fathom Aussie fair dealing to yet another head-in-the-bed Godfather spoof that still raises a giggle, there's plenty to enjoy, plus strong support from Melanie Griffith and the late David Hemmings.

Where it slips, and slips badly, is with the forced romance between Rod and his new assistant. It isn't given room to develop properly and it's too flimsy to invoke any interest, dragging down the final reel. But that aside, there are some classy tunes and the kind of quirky comedy that Australian cinema does so well.