Haroun Tazieff, a leading vulcanologist, risked injury and death to make this spectacular and justly celebrated film. Every notable recent volcanic eruption has been covered-frequently from the brink of the crater. For nine years Tazieff reconnoitered and studied the Italian volcano Stromboli, and the film he brought back was his unique reward. He says: "We saw worlds being created and destroyed at the same time... one could stand at a distance of six yards from the lava flow. At four yards one's eyebrows begin to scorch which does not smell very nice. Another step and radiant heat would produce serious burns."