Stanley Tucci tells the story of William Mulholland and the lies that made Los Angeles possible.,

The founders of LA had a vision of a future megacity. But there was just one problem - it was a virtual desert, with very little rainfall.

William Mulholland was the man charged with bringing water to the desert. But not without a great deal of double dealing and duplicity.

California wants to dazzle you with its endless sunshine and visions of the future – but that’s just a mirage.

Stanley Tucci imagines the modern history of California as a Hollywood movie, playing a hard-boiled screenwriter uncovering the full, sordid truth. He knows exactly where all the bodies are buried.

Academic consultant: Dr Ian Scott, University of Manchester

Written and produced by Laurence Grissell