Hollywood... a jungle where a new set of predators is clawing savagely for domination. The great movie studios and stars still hold sway — but the porno filmmakers on the one hand, and the record companies and rock stars on the other, are accumulating more and more power. Into this warfare comes Velva Leecock and Paul Conrad. Beautiful Velva, whose innocent sexuality may be her passkey to superstardom, and talented, ambitious Paul, whose honesty may be his undoing.

"Comes off with a bang — full of action and all varieties of sex!"
— Publishers Weekly

"PASSING THROUGH THE FLAME is perfect of it's kind. Sex, dope, violence, a complex plot, a huge cast... something of everything we want Hollywood to be! Norman Spinrad writes with unexpected compassion for his characters. I recommend it wholeheartedly!"
— Harper's Bookletter