Includes bibliographical references (p. [307]-309) and index.

Introduction: the two faces of Mike Wallace -- A boy named Chinky -- False starts -- Life imitates art -- Enter the muse -- The inquisitor finds his beat -- Two lawsuits and a nemesis -- Floundering -- Death & rebirth -- Network news -- Blood looks very red on color TV -- Good cop, bad cop -- Rough beginnings -- To hell with Wallace -- Lacing up the gloves -- Abuse of power -- Nowhere to hide -- Sickeningly happy? -- A life beyond reproach -- Mike Wallace is here -- Three strikes -- The trial of his life -- A call for help -- Tabloid satori -- Oh shit, he's dead! -- Journalistic malpractice -- Shifting sands -- The old man has lost it -- Tough but fair.

A portrait of the long-time journalist reveals his struggles with depression and self-doubt, tracing his early transition from radio to a quiz show announcer before rising to one of America's most talked-about media figures.