Competing with Idiots

This dual biography delves into the lives of renowned Hollywood brothers Herman and Joe Mankiewicz, exploring their intertwined journeys marked by fierce competition, ambition, and personal demons. Herman, celebrated for his work on classics like Citizen Kane, grapples with alcoholism and a longing for respect as a serious playwright, while Joe, a disciplined writer and four-time Academy Award winner, encounters both triumph and downfall throughout his illustrious career. Through the lens of their familial ties, the narrative offers an insightful portrayal of their dreams, struggles, and the complexities of their relationship against the backdrop of Hollywood's golden age.