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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Moldea's investigatory report, ostensibly a history of MCA, the $2-billion Hollywood conglomerate (Universal Pictures, etc.), is especially concerned with the firm's long-standing and, claims Moldea, questionable ties with President Reagan. The resulting tale of "power and manipulation" is so complex, involving Hollywood, mob and political figures as well as government investigations, that it may try the patience of many readers. Recounting MCA's 62-year rise from Chicago dance-band booking agents into the "General Motors of Hollywood," Moldea (The Hoffa Wars charges that Reagan, while Screen Actors Guild president in the early 1950s, helped create the unprecedented deal that made MCA a powerful force in TV. While wrongdoing has never been proven, Reagan has since benefited financially and politically from close links with MCA heads Jules Stein and Lew Wasserman, he charges. Moldea uses government documents to raise serious questions. 50,000 first printing; author tour.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
A smoldering indictment of the Hollywood entertainment industry's guilt-by-association ties to organized crime. Using previously classified documents, crime reporter Moldea spins several tales in this extraordinary book, principally the rise of Music Corporation of America (MCA) from a fledgling band-booking company in 1924 to Hollywood's most powerful TV, film, and recording conglomerate, and the entwined journey of MCA client Reagan from mediocre actor to U.S. President. Moldea's story is no easy read, with its plethora of characters, facts, and footnotes. The sad conclusion is that although, for the most part, MCA and Reagan have done nothing technically illegal (i.e., indictable) in their ruthless quest for power and success, they have used every means available, including mobsters and corrupt politicians and union officials. Sure to be controversial. David Bartholomew, NYPL
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Moldea's investigatory report, ostensibly a history of MCA, the $2-billion Hollywood conglomerate (Universal Pictures, etc.), is especially concerned with the firm's long-standing and, claims Moldea, questionable ties with President Reagan. The resulting tale of "power and manipulation" is so complex, involving Hollywood, mob and political figures as well as government investigations, that it may try the patience of many readers. Recounting MCA's 62-year rise from Chicago dance-band booking agents into the "General Motors of Hollywood," Moldea (The Hoffa Wars charges that Reagan, while Screen Actors Guild president in the early 1950s, helped create the unprecedented deal that made MCA a powerful force in TV. While wrongdoing has never been proven, Reagan has since benefited financially and politically from close links with MCA heads Jules Stein and Lew Wasserman, he charges. Moldea uses government documents to raise serious questions. 50,000 first printing; author tour.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
A smoldering indictment of the Hollywood entertainment industry's guilt-by-association ties to organized crime. Using previously classified documents, crime reporter Moldea spins several tales in this extraordinary book, principally the rise of Music Corporation of America (MCA) from a fledgling band-booking company in 1924 to Hollywood's most powerful TV, film, and recording conglomerate, and the entwined journey of MCA client Reagan from mediocre actor to U.S. President. Moldea's story is no easy read, with its plethora of characters, facts, and footnotes. The sad conclusion is that although, for the most part, MCA and Reagan have done nothing technically illegal (i.e., indictable) in their ruthless quest for power and success, they have used every means available, including mobsters and corrupt politicians and union officials. Sure to be controversial. David Bartholomew, NYPL
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
