John McTiernan is one of the most influential action filmmakers of his generation. Educated at the American Film Institute and influenced by European cinematic style, he made his name with a trio of groundbreaking action films-- Predator , Die Hard and The Hunt for Red October . His later output was a mixture of successes and failures, including Last Action Hero , one of the most colossal misfires in Hollywood history. His career and personal life unravelled when he was indicted and briefly imprisoned for involvement in a wiretapping scandal. Drawing on extensive research, the author covers McTiernan's tumultuous life and career, from his early triumphs through his extensive legal battles and his multiple attempts at a comeback. "John McTiernan: The Rise and Fall of an Action Movie Icon is, from the first page, an engrossing and enjoyable read for anyone who appreciates the director or his work... absolutely absorbing." - Fanbase Press Larry Taylor is an author and film historian with an MA in English, and a lifetime love for the movies. He lives in Plano, Texas.