The producer of the Chicago film is suing Miramax, alleging he is owed around $10 million (£5.7 million).

A case brought by Marty Richards – head of The Producer Circle Company – claims his co-producers have been neglecting their contract.

The Manhattan Supreme Court lawsuit says statements Richards has received are "omissive, false and misleading". They underestimate video and DVD revenue, it alleges, and exaggerates overhead costs.

It explains that Chicago took about $300m (£171m) – making it "the highest grossing and most profitable movie ever released by Miramax."

The action says Miramax have breached an agreement made with Disney that Richard's company would take a share of gross takings. They are instead imposing a "net profits" deal, it explains.