An Austin bookstore owner had brought together Gordon Liddy and Timothy Leary for a debate, following individual lectures by the two men at the
University of Texas campus. The debate was a success leading to the duo being invited to repeat it in other cities. Producer Carolyn Pfeiffer knew Timothy Leary and suggested the show might make an interesting documentary. She had formed a company, Island Alive, with Chris Blackwell and Shep Gordon. Alan Rudolph, who made two films for Pfeiffer, agreed to direct. He said "My role was one of creative observer and my objective was to supply Island Alive with something upon which to build." According to Rudolph,"It took a few days to film and a long time to edit and nothing was written other than necessary information. The interviewers asked their own questions. My conversations with Timothy Leary and Gordon Liddy were perfunctory, never about content, or performance." ==Reception==