Desperate Hours for MGM

Mystery mogul Parretti needs a Hollywood-size handout

How's this for action-packed cinematic adventure? Scene: the Los Angeles set of MGM-Pathe's comedy-thriller Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man. It's the final phase of shooting, and volatile screen star Mickey Rourke has had enough. "Screw this!" he blurts out. "If I'm not going to get paid, then I'm not going to work!" Members of the film's production crew threaten their own wildcat strike five days later if they aren't paid. The panicked studio rushes paychecks to the set -- by messenger.

Such drama is no longer rare at MGM-Pathe, the company formed when the mysterious mogul Giancarlo Parretti acquired MGM...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!