This book details the production of Robert Flaherty's most beautiful and ambitious film, Louisiana Story. At its core is the 1946-47 production diary of Helen van Dongen, associate producer and editor for the project and a pioneer among women filmmakers.

Her informative notes, which have never before been published, as well as the essays in this volume by Mary Lea Bandy, Richard Barsam, and Eva Orbanz describe the creative partnership van Dongen developed with Flaherty. They also provide insight into the New York documentary film scene during the 1930s and 1940s. Illustrations include film stills, working documents, and archival photographs. Biographies and filmographies by Ronald S. Magliozzi complete the volume.