Terrence McNally: Every Act of Life Preview
The new documentary lifts the curtain on the life, career and inspirations of the complicated and brilliant Emmy- and four-time Tony Award-winning writer Terrance McNally.
Rita Moreno on Terrence McNally, plus Steinbeck's advice
Rita Moreno on how Terrence McNally owned who he was, and McNally on the advice that John Steinbeck gave him that he ignored.
Edie Falco on "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune."
Edie Falco on Terrence McNally's gift for writing and what it was like for her to star in the 2002 Broadway revival of "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune."
I.M. Pei In Memoriam
We mourn the loss of renowned architect I.M. Pei, subject of an American Masters documentary in 2010. In this clip from American Masters—Alexander Calder¸ Pei discusses sculpture’s evolving relationship to architecture, and his initial reaction to Michelangelo’s David.
Remembering Tim Conway
The late actor and comedian Tim Conway remembers an extended riff he had about two twin elephants during a rehearsal for "The Carol Burnett Show." This exclusive outtake is from American Masters – Carol Burnett: A Woman of Character (2007), directed by Kyra Thompson.
Garry Winogrand's "Public Relations" Project
With his "Public Relations" project, Winogrand is considered to be among the first to show that the event was of secondary importance to the photograph of the event. "Public Relations" is considered to be at the cusp of postmodernism; with the project he fulfilled the notion that the event existed in order to be photographed.
The Exhibition that Changed Modern Photography
The New Documents exhibition established the three artists as important voices. As curator John Szarkowski noted, they, “redirected the technique and aesthetic of documentary photography to more personal ends. Their aim has been not to reform life but to know it.”
Garry Winogrand's Early Career
Discover how Winogrand's early career led him to become an epic storyteller in pictures who harnessed the serendipity of the streets to capture the American 1960s-70s.
Garry Winogrand: All Things are Photographable Preview
Discover the life and work of Garry Winogrand, the epic storyteller in pictures who harnessed the serendipity of the streets to capture the American 1960s-70s. His “snapshot aesthetic” is now the universal language of contemporary image making.
Joseph Pulitzer's and the Brooklyn Bridge
When the Brooklyn Bridge opened, Pulitzer challenged the one-penny pedestrian toll in his paper with a four-column woodcut of the bridge on the front page of the World, and declared: “Let the Bridge Be Free / A Penny Is a Workman’s Lunch.”
The Spanish-American War and Yellow Journalism
Joseph Pulitzer fought for readership with his nemesis, William Randolph Hearst, in the mid-1890s. Both crossed the line into “yellow journalism” during the Spanish-American War.
Joseph Pulitzer: Voice of the People Preview
Discover the man behind the prizes. A journalist who became a media mogul with an outspoken, cantankerous editorial voice and best-selling newspapers, Joseph Pulitzer championed what he regarded as the sacred role of the free press in a democracy.
Jane Fonda and Gloria Steinem on Holly Near
Directed by four-time Emmy Award-winner Jim Brown (American Masters — The Highwaymen: Friends Til The End, American Masters – Pete Seeger: The Power of Song), the documentary premieres nationwide Friday, March 1 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings) in honor of Women’s History Month and will be available to stream the following day via pbs.org/americanmasters and PBS apps.
Holly Near on the story behind "Singing For Our Lives"
Holly Near shares the touching story behind her famous song "Singing For Our Lives" and explains how it turned into an anthem for the LGBTQ movement. The song was written after she heard news of the assassination of city supervisor Harvey Milk, a champion of homosexual rights.
Holly Near: Singing for Our Lives Trailer
An outspoken political activist and singer-songwriter, Holly Near’s music and life story illustrate how song can have the power to send a clarion call and influence the course of social justice – from the lesbian and women’s movements to anti-war efforts and the fight to give South American women a voice.
Charley Pride: I’m Just Me Trailer
Explore the complicated history of the American South and its music through the life of country star Charley Pride. Raised in segregated Mississippi, his journey shows the ways that artistic expression can triumph over prejudice and injustice.
Charley Pride: I’m Just Me Preview
Explore the complicated history of the American South and its music through the life of country star Charley Pride. Raised in segregated Mississippi, his journey shows the ways that artistic expression can triumph over prejudice and injustice.
Sammy Davis, Jr.'s Close Call with Death
The devastating car accident that caused Sammy Davis, Jr. to reevaluate his life and change his religious beliefs.
Norman Lear on how Sammy Davis, Jr. Broke Barriers on TV
Norman Lear talks about Sammy Davis, Jr.’s guest appearance on All in the Family and how it became an iconic television moment.
Sammy Davis, Jr. on His Greatest Fear
Sammy Davis, Jr. reveals the reasons why the song “Mr. Bojangles” resonated so much with him as an entertainer.
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