American Masters

History Series / 11 Seasons

American Masters, committed to producing comprehensive film biographies about the broad cast of characters who comprise our cultural history.

53m 3s

Preview of Jimi Hendrix: Hear My Train A Comin’

2m 4s / TV-14

Along with clips of Jimi Hendrix performing, this preview includes Hendrix's thoughts on his self-expression, and interviews with Paul McCartney, Steve Winwood and Linda Keith on Hendrix's mesmerizing showmanship on stage. Hear My Train A Comin’, the documentary unveiling previously unseen performance footage such as the 1968 Miami Pop Festival, premieres November 5, 2013. Directed by Bob Smeaton.

Virginia Slims Tour

4m 38s

A look back at the Original 9's Virginia Slims Tour, formed in 1970. Featuring archival photos and footage, and original interviews with Judy Tegart Dalton, Ingrid Löfdahl Bentzer, Rosie Casals, Peachy Kellmeyer, Larry King, Billie Jean King and Julie Heldman.

James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket

1m 57s

Using rarely-seen archival footage from nine different countries, the film melds intimate interviews and eloquent public speeches with cinéma vérité glimpses of Baldwin and original scenes from his extraordinary funeral service in December 1987.

James Baldwin: Civil Rights Highlights

3m 23s

Features highlights of Baldwin's deep involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, including "The Fire Next Time," the March on Washington, the March from Selma to Montgomery and the Baldwin/Buckley Debate at Cambridge University -- all excerpted from the film, JAMES BALDWIN: THE PRICE OF THE TICKET.

James Baldwin: Writer, Teacher, Preacher

54s

Words -- both written and spoken -- were James Baldwin's greatest gift to America and to people of all races all over the world. He knew how to electrify readers, his insights about what it meant to be black in America were both intimate and accessible. He preached brotherhood, not violence, with searing honesty; his truth was laced with pain and anger. But he never lost hope.

Mel Brooks: Make a Noise

1m 52s

After 60 years in show business, Mel Brooks has earned more major awards than any other living entertainer; he is one of 14 EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) winners. Yet, the comedy giant has energetically avoided a documentary profile being made, even issuing an informal gag order on his friends until now.

American Master Mel Brooks on Friend and Mentor Sid Caesar

1m 35s / TV-14

Comedic legend Sid Caesar passed away February 12, 2014, at the age of 91. Caesar was a friend and mentor to Mel Brooks and the two worked together through much of Brooks’ early career. See Brooks talk about Caesar’s genius for comedy in this film excerpt from American Masters “Mel Brooks: Make A Noise.”

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