It was a movie that never should have been made. Both its author and its screenwriter had gone to prison rather than testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee. But then one of the world’s biggest stars risked it all to bring the legend of Spartacus to life.

With his family's financial future at stake, Kirk Douglas plunged into an epic battle. He squared off with director Stanley Kubrick and cajoled and coddled giant personalities such as Sir Laurence Olivier, Charles Laughton, Peter Ustinov and Lew Wasserman. Writing from his heart and from his own meticulously researched archives, this compelling biography is a wonderful look back at Douglas' experience creating this iconic film. Includes newly discovered photos!