White Hunter, Black Heart

by Peter Viertel

Book Overview

A novel based on the author's real experiences as John Huston's young friend and acolyte during the filming of the "African Queen". This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0440398096
• ISBN13: 9780440398097
• Release Date: August 1987
• Publisher: Laurel Press
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Great movie from what I hear is a great book, which is rare.

Having yet to read the book I can't speak to its quality. However, I am afraid you are totally off base when it come to what is probably one of Clint Eastwood's best movies. As I said, I have not read the book yet and have no idea how the movie and the book differ. As is often the case when books are adapted for the screen. But, as far as Eastwood movies go, Black Hunter, White Heart is in my opinion definitely one of his top ten directing and acting efforts. Do yourself a favor and give it a viewing. Maybe you might find that it wasn't really the "turkey" that so many at the time believed it to be.

job well done

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.

The Inner Workings of the Hunter

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!