For anyone who considers themselves an expert on the movie industry or is an insane cinephile, this documentary about Lew Wasserman is a definite must-see. That's because although most folks have no idea who he was, he was a HUGE power player in Hollywood and did tons to shape the city into what it is today. Starting with a small agency, MCA, which represented musicians, Wasserman was able to expand by now representing big-name actors. But, it didn't stop there. Over time, his empire expanded to creating MCA/Universal, buying Paramount's library of films, to Decca Records, to a television production company. Like a proverbial octopus, Wasserman's company seemed to have it's arms into everything!
Had the film stopped with these accomplishments, it would have been well worth seeing. However, unlike many documentaries, this one was not just about the rise of Wasserman but his miscues as well as his eventual fall. This makes it a much more complete film than most. BUT, in one way the film still fell a bit short. It gave you little insight into the person. Other than wheeling and dealing and being a power broker, who was Lew Wasserman? In some ways you know clearly--but often you do not. For example, when Wasserman died, it sounded as if some thought it was about time! But, a few (such as Suzanne Pleshette--who I have no idea why she was included in the film) were quite saddened. Worth seeing and about 95% of what I was hoping to see about this incredibly powerful man.