Hollywood on the Riviera: The Inside Story of the Cannes Film Festival

Former National Public Radio correspondent Beauchamp and Le Monde reporter Behar here team up to provide an earnest, fact-packed look at what may be the world's biggest annual media event. They describe the evolution of Cannes from a small fishing village to an international resort and, beginning in 1946, the site of a film festival whose awards rival the Oscars in clout. Dropping plenty of names and recreating with gusto the carnival atmosphere that prevails for two weeks each May, they also display a cogent grasp of the festival's political, social and artistic dynamics. The selection and judging of individual films, as well as some of the more earth-shaking deals and legendary romances consummated at Cannes, are covered in detail. Both seasoned festival veterans, the authors scant neither the Fabulous Fortnight's trademark glamour nor its more workaday significance as the international film industry's most important business convention and trade show. Photos. ( May )