Multi-layered account of director John Huston's real motives and struggles, to complete production on the move "African Queen". The book goes inside the man, showing not only his inner demons, but those he created within the cast, to satisfy his own lust for the hunt. Definately worth reading!

terrific book on the making of john huston's the african queen. this also explains why the african queen is not the classic it should have been--simply because the great john huston allowed himself to be influenced by viertel and gave the film a fairytale ending--one of the few times huston allowed his judgement to be influenced in this fashion.

however, don't let that sway you from reading this incredible tale; you'll go away appreciating huston all the more for it as a genius filmmaker and will want to check out some of his masterpieces like the maltese falcon or the treasure of the sierra madre, fat city or blackboard jungle.

having said all that, stay away from the clint eastwood turkey
entitled white hunter, black heart based on viertel's fine book. eastwood was in too deep here--but the book, as stated, is one of the best on how (some) films get made.