MOVIES dealing with Scottish junkies, an Italian postman, a New York serial killer, hostile extra terrestrials and a suicidal, alcoholic writer were the most profitable international releases last year, according to a Variety survey of profit to cost ratios.

Trainspotting, which cost just $3.5m. and took over $72m. at the box office, topped the chart followed by Il Postino (which cost $4.5 and made $80.5); Seven (cost $26m., made $309); Independence Day (cost $70m., made $785m.) and Leaving Las Vegas (cost $4.6m., made $49.8m.). Completing the top ten were, in order, Toy Story, Rumble in the Bronx, Babe, Secrets & Lies and Dangerous Minds.

The least profitable movies in the Variety survey were, from one to ten: Bad Moon, Big Bully, Kansas City, The Stupids, Grace of My Heart, Bogus, Faithful, Mary Reilly, Carpool and Unforgettable, most of which have not been released here, although two are due next month - Kansas City and the underrated Grace of My Heart.