Cheeta, the legendary chimpanzee star of the Tarzan films, recounts his long and chaotic life in the spotlight of mid-century Hollywood. The narrative follows Cheeta as he navigates the absurdities of the film industry, his complex relationships with human actors like Johnny Weissmuller, and his eventual retirement. Written in a sharp, observational voice, the story serves as a satirical critique of celebrity culture and the often-bizarre nature of fame. The memoir utilizes a non-linear structure to contrast the glamour of the silver screen with the reality of life behind the scenes.

This work is widely recognized as a clever piece of literary satire that uses the persona of a famous chimpanzee to lampoon the excesses of the film industry. Readers often note the sharp, cynical humor that permeates the narrative, finding it both entertaining and surprisingly insightful regarding the nature of celebrity. The book is frequently praised for its ability to maintain a consistent, distinct voice throughout the memoir, effectively blurring the lines between fact and fiction. It stands as a notable example of creative non-fiction that prioritizes entertainment and thematic critique over strict biographical accuracy.