Since its inception in 1946, the Cannes Film Festival has embraced the high-brow and the high-glam - new cinema from Iran or China and red carpet parades from Madonna or Nicole Kidman. Who is not familiar with Cannes' famous paparazzi scrums, beachfront happenings and world premieres?

But the history of Cannes is also famous for scandals and controversies, where the great nations of the world have gathered and clashed. This vivid and beguiling history reveals the best and most revelatory tales from this festival's spectacular history through previously untold first-hand accounts from key players.