Show Business: The Producer: Robert Evans

There is a story making the rounds in Hollywood about how Bob Evans had a few friends in to watch a film in the screening room of his 16-room Beverly Hills mansion. Bob was reclining on his hospital-style bed as usual, nursing his bad back. The picture was a dreadful sci-fi epic featuring an invading army of ants that marched interminably across the screen. "What do they want anyway?" a guest protested. Another viewer, Producer Ray Stark, replied, "They want the final cut."

Bob Evans has made himself the hottest reputation in Hollywood by insisting maniacally on the final cut—or editing privilege—on...