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.

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Trailer: Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance

2m 21s

JOFFREY: MAVERICKS OF AMERICAN DANCE tells the story of the first quintessentially American dance company, the Joffrey Ballet. The film traces the company’s struggles and triumphs: from its humble beginnings in 1956, touring the United States in a borrowed station wagon, to becoming one of the world’s most exciting and prominent ballet companies.

Inventing David Geffen: Focus Focus Focus

3m 48s

Like the title of the film says, David Geffen didn't just happen--he was his own invention. And, that took focus, focus, focus... Hear his friends and colleagues -- Tom Hanks, Jon Landau, and Tim Burton, among them -- talk about just what kind of focus Geffen has.

Inventing David Geffen: David Geffen Doesn't Pay Shipping

6m 8s

How many stories start out, a guy walks into a Tiffany lamp store? Jon Landeau, manager and producer for Bruce Springsteen, remembers how David Geffen -- in business and in all things -- always gets the deal he wants. Even when returning a Tiffany lamp.

Trailer: Inventing David Geffen

35s

David Geffen’s far-reaching influence — as agent, manager, record industry mogul, Hollywood and Broadway producer, and philanthropist — has helped shape American popular culture for the past four decades. Notoriously press and camera-shy, Geffen reveals himself for the first time in the new two-hour documentary. Inventing David Geffen, premiers nationally on Tuesday, November 20, 2012, on PBS.

Inventing David Geffen: Sunset Blvd.

1m 45s

American Masters: Inventing David Geffen, premiers nationally on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 on PBS (check local listings). It’s an unflinching portrait of Geffen, who narrates his unorthodox rise from working class Brooklyn boy to billionaire entertainment power broker in extensive interviews.

Inventing David Geffen: Always About the Song

1m 42s

American Masters: Inventing David Geffen, premiers nationally on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 on PBS (check local listings). It’s an unflinching portrait of Geffen, who narrates his unorthodox rise from working class Brooklyn boy to billionaire entertainment power broker in extensive interviews.

The influence Marilyn Monroe had on many generations

1m 3s

Sam Shaw's name isn't well known, but his photographs of Marilyn Monroe are. Here, Shaw's children reminisce about growing up around Monroe. Shaw was also the brainchild of the famous white halter dress shot from 'The Seven Year Itch.'

Marilyn Monroe's nude photograph by Leif-Erik Nygards

1m 20s

Leif-Erik Nygards' one photograph of Marilyn Monroe. Nygards was an assistant to photographer Bert Stern. Following a shoot, Nygards asked for the privilege to take just one picture: he got more than he asked for.

Why Marilyn Monroe was "made for a camera"

1m 4s

Marilyn Monroe still surrounds us: store windows, building sides, restaurants, art. Voices: Bob Henriquez (photographer), Patty Bosworth (writer), Gloria Steinem (writer/activist), Leon Constantiner (collector) Amy Greene (first wife of photographer Milton Greene).

The “Black Sitting” session with Marilyn Monroe

1m 16s

How Milton Greene photographed Marilyn Monroe (voiced by Greene's first wife, Amy Greene). Greene was one of many photographers in and out of Monroe's life. But, they were closer than most. Monroe even lived with his family for a short time. More than anything, Greene shot her in such a prolific way. The 'Black Sitting' is just one of their many sessions.

Marilyn Monroe's most iconic photograph in blowing dress

2m 1s

George Zimbel's photographs: Joe Dimaggio walking out on Marilyn Monroe. Zimbel was there on the street among several photographers to document what would become Monroe's most lasting image: a blowing white halter dress. More than the dress or the scene, Zimbel remembers a Joe Dimaggio that couldn't take all the bright lights that night. Voices: Family of Sam Shaw, Norman Mailer, Zimbel

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