Was Elizabeth Taylor the greatest product of the Hollywood star machine or its greatest victim? Mann's smart, engaging, clear-eyed case study ... locates the real person somewhere between her private life and her public image.

How to be a movie star -- When in Rome -- Educating a movie star -- The most exciting girl -- Acting out -- Over the top -- Protecting interests -- A second chance on life -- No deodorant like success -- Rewriting the rules -- How to stay a movie star.