Ten years ago J. Edgar Hoover, director and founder father of the FBI. died. As head of the bureau for nearly half-a-century he became the most powerful policeman in the Western world.
In the 30s his G-men were popular heroes in their battle with the gangsters. In the 40s and 50s he was the scourge of Nazi and Communist spies.
Idolised by Hollywood, his power and influence was so great that it was said no president dared get rid of him.
Ten years after his death, that towering reputation has collapsed under a welter of charges of illegal bugging and blackmail.
Presenter Anthony Howard Producer DAVID POWELL
(Repeated: Thurs 11.3 am)