We have investigated the properties and structure of alumina films obtained as a result of thermal oxidation of 0H18J5 steel under a mixture of SO(2) and O(2) atmosphere and then covered with layers of magnetron-sputtered alumina and platinum. The catalytic tests and transmission electron microscopy investigations reveal that theta-Al(2)O(3) films containing acidic and basic sites are distinguished by high catalytic activity, whereas amorphous and alpha-Al(2)O(3) films show neutral activity. The platinum films deposited on them contribute to the enrichment of the laminar system with basic sites, and consequently raise the catalytic activity of the system. The investigations performed indicate that the catalytic activity of the system may be tailored to the desired level by the control of the thickness of the individual layers of coating.