His portly figure and provincial background have always provided fertile ground for satirists, but Helmut Kohl has risen to become the longest-serving German chancellor in history.
This documentary, showing in the run up to Germany's elections, charts his career path, from his wartime childhood to his present position as a giant of the global political landscape. Those who talk frankly about their encounters with Kohl include former presidents Gorbachev and Bush.
Producer Fred Baker : Editor Fiona Murch Subtitled.....