diff --git a/mode/latex.py b/mode/latex.py
index 7d58289..306505c 100644
--- a/mode/latex.py
+++ b/mode/latex.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-import commands, curses, os
+import commands, curses, os, sys
 import color, method, mode
 from lex import Grammar, PatternRule, RegionRule
 from mode.text import TextInsertSpace
@@ -60,6 +60,13 @@ class LatexViewPdf(LatexBuildPdf):
             viewcmd = w.application.config.get('latex.pdfviewcmd')
             pid = os.fork()
             if pid == 0:
+                # redirect stdout/stderr to a log file
+                f = open('.pmacs-latex-pdf.err', 'a')
+                sys.stderr.flush()
+                os.dup2(f.fileno(), sys.stderr.fileno())
+                sys.stdout.flush()
+                os.dup2(f.fileno(), sys.stdout.fileno())
+                # ok, now do the exec
                 pdfpath = self._modpath(w, '.pdf')
                 os.execvp(viewcmd, (viewcmd, pdfpath))