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.

1h 51m / TV-14

Eero and Eliel Saarinen Compete for St. Louis

1m 44s

The famous Gateway Arch in St. Louis came out of an architectural competition, where both Eliel and his son, Eero, entered designs. Confusion over a telegraph addressed to "E. Saarinen" led to a celebration for Eliel, when it was actually Eero who had won the competition. The design won Eero critical recognition and helped launch his career as an architect of renown.

Eero Saarinen: The Architect Who Saw the Future - Trailer

2m 22s

Explore the life of Eero Saarinen (1910-1961), whose visionary buildings include National Historic Landmarks such as St. Louis’ iconic Gateway Arch and the General Motors Technical Center in Michigan. Travel with his son, director of photography Eric Saarinen, as he visits the sites of his father’s work on a cathartic journey, showcasing the architect’s body of timeless work for the first time.

Phil Rosenthal Discusses Norman Lear's Impact

1m 9s

Largely responsible for the explosion of bold American television in the 1970s, writer/producer Norman Lear’s name is synonymous with the sitcom. The first documentary about the 94-year-old television legend, "American Masters — Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You," premieres nationwide Tuesday, October 25 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings).

Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You

2m 18s

Largely responsible for the explosion of bold American television in the 1970s, writer/producer Norman Lear’s name is synonymous with the sitcom. The first documentary about the 94-year-old television legend, "American Masters — Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You," premieres nationwide Tuesday, October 25 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings).

Norman Lear - All in The Family Disclaimer

57s

Norman Lear's controversial work led to a disclaimer from CBS. The first documentary about the 94-year-old television legend, "American Masters — Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You," premieres nationwide Tuesday, October 25 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings).

Norman Lear on Legacy

27s

Largely responsible for the explosion of bold American television in the 1970s, writer/producer Norman Lear’s name is synonymous with the sitcom. The first documentary about the 94-year-old television legend, "American Masters — Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You," premieres nationwide Tuesday, October 25 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings).

Gloria Naylor on the American Dream

1m 9s

Best known for "The Women of Brewster Place," Gloria Naylor speaks about the notion of the American Dream through three American classics: Nella Larsen’s "Passing," F. Scott Fitzgerald’s "The Great Gatsby," and John Steinbeck’s "The Grapes of Wrath." This never-before-heard interview is from Michael Epstein's "American Masters – Novel Reflections on the American Dream (2007)."

Norman Lear's Psychiatrist

1m 51s

Largely responsible for the explosion of bold American television in the 1970s, writer/producer Norman Lear’s name is synonymous with the sitcom. The first documentary about the 94-year-old television legend, "American Masters — Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You," premieres nationwide Tuesday, October 25 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings).

Dar Williams on Joan Baez

1m 31s

American folk music icon Joan Baez began her career during the 1960s counterculture movement. Listen as Baez and fellow singer-songwriter Dar Williams share anecdotes about life on the road together and how they’ve influenced each other’s lives and art. This never-before-heard interview is from filmmaker Mary Wharton’s American Masters – Joan Baez: How Sweet the Sound (2009).

Norman Lear on Network Censorship

1m 23s

Largely responsible for the explosion of bold American television in the 1970s, writer/producer Norman Lear’s name is synonymous with the sitcom. The first documentary about the 94-year-old television legend, "American Masters — Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You," premieres nationwide Tuesday, October 25 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings).

Norman Lear's "Maude" on Tough Issues

31s

Largely responsible for the explosion of bold American television in the 1970s, writer/producer Norman Lear’s name is synonymous with the sitcom. The first documentary about the 94-year-old television legend, "American Masters — Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You," premieres nationwide Tuesday, October 25 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings).

Nina Bernstein and June Norton on Ella Fitzgerald

47s

Before Ella Fitzgerald became the First Lady of Song and earned 13 Grammy Awards, she spent much of her teenage years as an orphan, finding odd jobs and, at times, living on the street. Journalist Nina Bernstein and Fitzgerald’s longtime friend June Norton discuss one of the singer’s most difficult periods.

Venus Williams on Women in Tennis

1m 14s

In this exclusive clip from the American Masters Digital Archive, Venus Williams reflects on the sacrifices made by trailblazers such as Althea Gibson and Billie Jean King, without whom, the game of women's tennis would not be where it is today.

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