The Last Mogul (NR)

synopsis

There are those that say Hollywood was born the day Lew Wasserman came to town. For six decades, there was only one man who had the consummate power to run the industry and his reign forever defined Hollywood as we know it. During his 59-year career, he worked with everyone from Alfred Hitchcock to Steven Spielberg, James Stewart and Kevin Costner. His legendary deal making was respected, his temper reviled and his ability to predict the future of his industry uncanny. His talent, vision and power not only made him a billionaire, but changed the manner in which studios operated, films were produced and talent represented. Using politics and fear to keep the entire industry on a leash, the former Chairman and CEO of MCA and the Universal, Wasserman was the undisputed king of Hollywood. This rags to riches story began in the mob-controlled speakeasies of 1920's Cleveland and ends in the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles. Wasserman, an impoverished band-booker would become the greatest power-broker that Hollywood would ever know. From reputed mob connections to union chiefs, and political heavyweights the likes of Jack Valenti to President Ronald Reagan, Lew Wasserman controlled everybody.