But the story on screen is fresher and more accomplished than that predictable behind-the-scenes struggle would suggest.

But the filings provided a hint of behind-the-scenes struggles that sometimes erupt between prosecutors and their witnesses.

He threatened to write a concurring opinion describing the behind-the-scenes struggle over the case until the chief justice dropped the language.

The urgency of the threat has sharpened a behind-the-scenes struggle within the administration over how to deal with the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Il.

Mr. Furrow's surrender initially touched off a fierce behind-the-scenes struggle over who would try him first.

In turn, United Nations officials credited the advocacy groups for strengthening the draft in behind-the-scenes struggles during an extraordinary three-day plenary session.

How this quiet, behind-the-scenes generational struggle plays itself out will determine the future of this war-torn country.

Already, there have been serious behind-the-scenes struggles for control of the police, the courts, the banking system and customs authorities.

But by midwinter, after Mr. Chalabi had taken over responsibility for the process, a behind-the-scenes struggle broke out.

While the board's investment banker, the First Boston Corporation, negotiated with the unions, there was a behind-the-scenes struggle between Mr. Wolf and the labor groups.