Detective Philip Lovecraft (Dennis Hopper) lives in Los Angeles in the 1950's when an ambitious Senator (Eric Bogosian) is holding hearings, on Magic. Magic is the new influence in Tinsel Town. Lovecraft is unique in that he is the only one who refuses to use magic in his work. Shortly after he is hired, he finds his client, Kim Hudson (Penelope Ann Miller), accused of the murder of her husband, a film executive. Philip uses the talents of a local witch, Kropotkin (Sheryl Lee Ralph), to explain what is happening only to see her accused of the murder and sentenced to be burnt at the stake. Reminiscent of Roger Rabbit, without the toons.