Book excerpt: In this professional memoir, Hollywood veteran Paul A. Helmick candidly shares the joys, woes, and surprises of his more than fifty years in motion pictures, from his first studio job as copy boy and runner in 1934, to his role as assistant director on major blockbusters starring John Wayne and Marilyn Monroe. He's got the true insider's account of the directors, actors, and crew members on films like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Rio Bravo, and Funny Girl. This unique behind-the-scenes view features anecdotes and memories from Helmick as he worked tirelessly for directors like Howard Hawks and Otto Preminger, and often thanklessly, to make their pictures successful. Photographs behind the scenes of Helmick's many movies are included, along with a filmography of Helmick's many projects. An index allows easy reference to the many people and pictures featured in this remarkable account of the often funny, always changing, life of an assistant director for some of the most important studios in the business.