Dark Victory: 2rea

Moldea's investigatory report, ostensibly a history of MCA, the $2-billion Hollywood conglomerate (Universal Pictures, etc.), is especially concerned with the firm's long-standing and, claims Moldea, questionable ties with President Reagan. The resulting tale of ""power and manipulation'' is so complex, involving Hollywood, mob and political figures as well as government investigations, that it may try the patience of many readers. Recounting MCA's 62-year rise from Chicago dance-band booking agents into the ``General Motors of Hollywood,'' Moldea (The Hoffa Wars charges that Reagan, while Screen Actors Guild president in the early 1950s, helped create the unprecedented deal that made MCA a powerful force in TV. While wrongdoing has never been proven, Reagan has since benefited financially and politically from close links with MCA heads Jules Stein and Lew Wasserman, he charges. Moldea uses government documents to raise serious questions. 50,000 first printing; author tour. (October 7)