Like most low-budget documentary TV series, "Starz Inside" tends to be very hit-and-miss when it comes to entertainment value. The problem tends to be access to enough compelling interview footage. If the bulk of your episode involves people talking into a camera, then they need to be really worth watching.

And ultimately, that's the problem with "Starz Inside: Comics On Screen," which premieres on Tuesday. According to the press materials, the hour-long episode "explores comedians who have transitioned from stage to the big screen." And when you think of comics who fit that bill, I suspect the names that immediately pop into your mind are not Dane Cook, Andrew Dice Clay, Frank Caliendo, Mo'nique and Tom Arnold. And yet, those are some of the comics interviewed for the show.

Weirdly, the first half of the hour focuses on stories about how these comics began doing comedy in the first place. George Lopez is a highlight in this block, and there also some interesting comments from Tim Allen and Martin Lawrence. But even the great comments beg the question, "What does this all have to do with 'Comics On Screen?'"

But about the halfway point, the focus moves to stories about the big screen, and there are some fascinating tidbits in this section. Tom Arnold talks about how director Jim Cameron threatned to move "True Lies" to another studio if they wouldn't sign off on Tom Arnold's role in the movie. And Cedric The Entertainer and Rosie O'Donnell also have interesting behind-the-scenes tales of their move to the big screen.

Unfortunately, those few tidbits aren't enough to keep the special worthwhile, and there were a number of points during the hour when I found myself wondering how much longer I had to wait before the end credits.

"Starz Inside" is often good TV, but sadly, not in this case. If you want to learn about comics on screen, you're betting off renting "Trains, Planes And Automobiles" or Caddyshack."

"Starz Inside: Comics On Screen" premieres on Starz on Tuesday, September 8th, 2009.