In 1990, waiter-turned-movie-mogul Giancarlo Parretti purchased film studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/United Artists for $1.3billion. The acquisition raised hopes that this charismatic Italian, backed by mysterious wealth, would revitalise the business. However, cheques soon bounced, budgets were withdrawn and staff laid off. Before long Parretti faced an FBI investigation for alleged financial irregularities and fled from the US back to Italy. Contributors include MGM insiders, directors, actors, writers, federal prosecutors - and Parretti himself.
