Horns and Halos (film)

Horns and Halos is a 2002 documentary film directed by Michael Potorti and Suki Medencevic. The film chronicles the controversy surrounding the publication and subsequent recall of an unauthorized biography of George W. Bush titled Fortunate Son, written by J. H. Hatfield. The book's initial publisher, St. Martin's Press, withdrew it from circulation after allegations surfaced that Hatfield had a criminal record, including a conviction for attempted murder.

The documentary follows Sander Hicks, owner of the small, independent publishing house Soft Skull Press, who decided to republish Fortunate Son despite the scandal. Horns and Halos details Hicks's struggles with distribution, media scrutiny, and the personal toll the controversy takes on him and his family. The film explores themes of freedom of speech, censorship, the power of corporate media, and the role of independent publishing in a democratic society. It features interviews with Hicks, Hatfield, and other figures involved in the controversy.