American Masters

Épisode 1 - Private Conversations: On the Set of 'Death of a Salesman'

23 juin 1986

A behind-the-scenes look at the filming of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman for television.

Épisode 2 - Philip Johnson, Self Portrait

30 juin 1986

One of America's best-known architects is profiled, with emphasis on his early career and his later movement away from minimalism.

Épisode 3 - Katherine Anne Porter: The Eye of Memory

7 juillet 1986

A biography of the well-known social critic and author Katherine Anne Porter.

Épisode 4 - The Unknown Chaplin (1)

14 juillet 1986

Épisode 5 - The Unknown Chaplin (2)

21 juillet 1986

Épisode 6 - The Unknown Chaplin (3)

28 juillet 1986

Épisode 7 - Billie Holiday: The Long Night of Lady Day

4 août 1986

A biography of Billie Holiday, one of America's most unique and emotional jazz singers and the tragic end of her life at an early age. Her story and career are portrayed through rare archival film and television appearances, memorable renditions of her greatest songs, and interviews with friends and colleagues.

Épisode 8 - James Levine: A Life in Music

11 août 1986

The musical career of the long-time conductor of New York City's Metropolitan Opera as reflected by following his normal working day on camera.

Épisode 9 - Aaron Copland: A Self Portrait

18 août 1986

One of America's signature classical composers and the unique elements he incorporated into his pieces.

Épisode 10 - Thomas Eakins: A Motion Portrait

25 août 1986

The strikingly realistic and unsentimental paintings of the noted artist from Philadelphia.

Épisode 11 - Georgia O'Keeffe

1 septembre 1986

A profile of the noted American artist originally produced to celebrate her 90th birthday.

Épisode 12 - Eugene O'Neill: A Glory of Ghosts

8 septembre 1986

An examination of the life and work of the intellectually serious and talented playwright and his impact on the world of theater.

Épisode 1 - Isaac in America: A Journey with Isaac Bashevis Singer

6 juillet 1987

A profile of the literary work of Isaac Bashevis Singer and his influence on preserving Jewish culture and the Yiddish language.

Épisode 2 - Directed by William Wyler

13 juillet 1987

A retrospective on the rich legacy of cinema directed by Wyler with clips and commentary.

Épisode 3 - Rubinstein Remembered

20 juillet 1987

A trip through the life and works of the piano virtuoso Arthur Rubinstein conducted by his son John.

Épisode 4 - Nik and Murray

27 juillet 1987

A story of two talented personalities, Alwin Nikolais and Murray Louis, and their collaborations in the world of dance.

Épisode 5 - George Gershwin Remembered

24 août 1987

The music of the unique American master composer (as well as his brother Ira) with insights from his collaborators and friends.

Épisode 6 - Maurice Sendak: Mon Cher Papa

31 août 1987

An installment that shows the author and illustrator at work staging a production of a Mozart opera.

Épisode 7 - The Negro Ensemble Company

14 septembre 1987

An ode to the work of the African American theater group founded in the late 60s and its impact on the performing arts.

Épisode 8 - Unanswered Prayers: The Life and Times of Truman Capote

21 septembre 1987

The evolution of the novelist and his impact on other artists and American culture.

Épisode 9 - The Ten-Year Lunch: The Wit and Legend of the Algonquin Round Table

28 septembre 1987

A history of the famed social gathering of leaders, intellectuals, writers, and artists.

Épisode 10 - Buster Keaton: Hard Act to Follow (Part 1)

18 novembre 1987

Épisode 11 - Buster Keaton: Hard Act to Follow (Part 2)

19 novembre 1987

Épisode 12 - Buster Keaton: Hard Act to Follow (Part 3)

20 novembre 1987

Épisode 1 - Lillian Gish: The Actor's Life for Me

11 juillet 1988

The famed career of the silent movie actress and an examination of the role of women in film during that era of American cinema.

Épisode 2 - A Duke Named Ellington

18 juillet 1988

Detailed biography of the renowned jazz performer/conductor Duke Ellington and his band, including his easy-going grace and sophistication.

Épisode 3 - Andre Kertesz of the Cities

8 août 1988

A retrospective of the urban photography of Andre Kertesz, told by tracking him in the final years before his death.

Épisode 4 - Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul

22 août 1988

Franklin's life - from gospel to Grammy Awards.

Épisode 5 - Rivera in America

29 août 1988

The murals and politics of the famed Mexican artist Diego Rivera.

Épisode 6 - Saint-Gaudens: Masque of the Golden Bowl

5 septembre 1988

A dramatic recreation of the work and career of a renowned sculptor, Augustus Saint-Gaudens

Épisode 7 - Neil Simon: Not Just for Laughs

8 mars 1989

The whimsical work of the beloved playwright.

Épisode 8 - Broadway's Dreamers: The Legacy of Group Theater

26 juin 1989

The story of "method" acting.

Épisode 1 - Harold Clurman: A Life of Theatre

3 juillet 1989

The life of the renowned Broadway director and arts critic, as well as co-founder of New York's Group Theatre.

Épisode 2 - Stella Adler: Awake and Dream!

10 juillet 1989

A retrospective on the career of one of America's finest teachers of acting technique.

Épisode 3 - Satchmo: The Life of Louis Armstrong

31 juillet 1989

The evolution and extraordinary musical creations of the nation's best-known jazz musician.

Épisode 4 - James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket

14 août 1989

The noted author, his battles against racism, and its expression in his books.

Épisode 5 - Celebrating Bird: The Triumph of Charlie Parker

17 août 1989

A biographical documentary on the short-lived career of brilliant jazz musician Charlie Parker. Features his only television appearance and rare concert footage. Includes cameos by such greats as Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonius Monk, and Charles Mingus.

Épisode 6 - Jasper Johns: Ideas in Paint

11 septembre 1989

The mind of a famed neo-abstractionist painter as it expresses itself on canvas.

Épisode 7 - Mort Sahl: The Loyal Opposition

18 septembre 1989

The biting comedic satire of Mort Sahl and his rise to prominence in the 1960s.

Épisode 8 - W. Eugene Smith: Photography Made Difficult

25 septembre 1989

The work of the provacative photographer for Life magazine.

Épisode 9 - Harold Lloyd: The Third Genius

15 novembre 1989

Profile of the comedy standout from the silent era who is often mentioned third behind Chaplin and Keaton.

Épisode 10 - Milos Forman: Portrait

20 décembre 1989

The movies of the Academy Award-winning motion picture maker.

Épisode 1 - Preston Sturges: The Rise and Fall of an American Dreamer

2 juillet 1990

The life of the famous director and scriptwriter, from his writings for the stage to his Hollywood acclaim.

Épisode 2 - John Cassavetes

9 juillet 1990

A documentary that follows the varied career of the noted film director.

Épisode 3 - Martin Scorsese Directs

16 juillet 1990

Interviews and film clips document the hard-hitting film work of Scorsese.

Épisode 4 - You're the Top: The Cole Porter Story

23 juillet 1990

The career of Porter as seen through filmed versions of his work and commentary from performance stars.

Épisode 5 - Edward R. Murrow: This Reporter

30 juillet 1990

The fascinating life of the model for the "hard-boiled" radio and television journalist.

Épisode 6 - John Hammond: From Bessie Smith to Bruce Springsteen

20 août 1990

A documentary on the 50 year career of a legendary producer of recording artists and musicians.

Épisode 7 - Sanford Meisner: The Theater's Best Kept Secret

27 août 1990

The work of an acting coach and instructor who had a profound impact on the American stage.

Épisode 8 - John Cage: I Have Nothing to Say and I'm Saying It

17 septembre 1990

The outrageously odd and original compositions of an avant-garde musician.

Épisode 1 - Helen Hayes: First Lady of the American Theatre

1 juillet 1991

A chronicle of the extraordinary actress and those who were influenced by her universally-respected work.

Épisode 2 - Miracle on 44th Street: A Portrait of the Actor's Studio

8 juillet 1991

Inside the workings of the mecca of "method acting" techniques.

Épisode 3 - A. Einstein: How I See the World

22 juillet 1991

The life of the creative and imaginative physicist and his thoughts and writings after coming to the United States.

Épisode 4 - Sarah Vaughan: The Divine One

29 juillet 1991

A look at the soulful interpretations of the remarkable singer, mostly through filmed performances.

Épisode 5 - Frederic Remington: The Truth of Other Days

5 août 1991

The artistic career of a painter and sculptor who defined western art and influenced America's ideas of the west.

Épisode 6 - Menuhin: A Family Portrait

12 août 1991

The story of an American violin virtuoso, Yehudi Menuhin.

Épisode 7 - Robert Motherwell and the New York School

26 août 1991

A biography of the artist Motherwell and the growth of abstract expressionism in New York City.

Épisode 8 - Ray Charles: The Genius of Soul

3 janvier 1992

The obstacles overcome in the magnificent career of the famed musician.

Épisode 9 - Waldo Salt: A Screenwriter's Journey

1 mai 1992

Documentary on the writer who made his way back from the entertainment industry "blacklist" and became an acclaimed success.

Épisode 1 - Paul Simon: Born at the Right Time

14 mars 1993

The career and collaborations of Simon's 30 years in the music business.

Épisode 2 - George Lucas: Heroes, Myths & Magic

17 mars 1993

An examination of the thinking and techniques used by one of America's most-celebrated movie makers.

Épisode 3 - D.W. Griffith: Father of Film

24 mars 1993

A look at the innovator of primary motion picture techniques that are still important today and the controversy surrounding his beliefs.

Épisode 1 - Benny Goodman: Adventures in the Kingdom of Swing

8 décembre 1993

The life of the clarinetist and band leader known as the "King of Swing."

Épisode 2 - Martha Graham: The Dancer Revealed

13 mai 1994

A documentary of the masterful American dancer.

Épisode 1 - Rediscovering Will Rogers

30 novembre 1994

The life of the famed commentator on the American condition and his style of humor.

Épisode 2 - Tennessee Williams: Orpheus of the American Stage

19 décembre 1994

The plays of a master of portraying human relations and the shades of love and hate.

Épisode 3 - Placido Domingo: A Musical Life

15 février 1995

The rise of one of the world's most powerful and accomplished tenors and his great performances.

Épisode 4 - Edgar Allan Poe: Terror of the Soul

22 mars 1995

An examination of the author's life and a look at the specifics of some of his written works.

Épisode 1 - Rod Serling: Submitted for Your Approval

29 novembre 1995

A documentary on the man who pioneered the use of early television for dramatic storytelling.

Épisode 2 - William Styron: The Way of the Writer

22 janvier 1996

A retrospective on the author's writings including commentary from his professional associates.

Épisode 3 - Richard Avedon: Darkness and Light

24 janvier 1996

The notable images of one of the nation's most famous fashion photographers.

Épisode 4 - Buckminster Fuller: Thinking Out Loud

10 avril 1996

An examination of the visionary and thinker and his most famous ideas.

Épisode 5 - Nichols and May: Take Two

22 mai 1996

A chronicle of the 1950s comedy team and the short-lived but memorable career of the duo.

Épisode 1 - Lena Horne: In Her Own Voice

25 novembre 1996

A biography of the famed singer including her first big breaks in show business.

Épisode 2 - Danny Kaye: A Legacy of Laughter

10 décembre 1996

A portrait of a masterful and versatile member of the entertainment industry for decades.

Épisode 3 - Man Ray: Prophet of the Avant-Garde

9 avril 1997

Biography of a multi-media artist and his ground-breaking works of artistic expression.

Épisode 4 - Jack Paar: As I Was Saying

7 mai 1997

A feature on the career of the famed television host and how he entered and left the TV industry.

Épisode 5 - Isamu Noguchi: Stones and Paper

25 juin 1997

The free-flowing design and sculpture of a man influenced by Asian sensibilities.

Épisode 1 - The Life and Times of Allen Ginsberg

17 septembre 1997

The poetry of the noted "beat generation" poet and the post World War II lifestyle and values reflected within his works.

Épisode 2 - Vaudeville

26 novembre 1997

The origins and growth of a unique form of live entertainment in the 20th century.

Épisode 3 - Billy Wilder: the Human Comedy

4 février 1998

A profile of writer-director Billy Wilder.

Épisode 4 - Lou Reed: Rock and Roll Heart

29 avril 1998

Profile of one of the major leaders of new directions in rock music.

Épisode 5 - Don Hewitt: 90 Minutes on 60 Minutes

1 mai 1998

The work of Don Hewitt in the CBS news department and the story of the long-running new magazine 60 Minutes.

Épisode 6 - Alexander Calder

17 juin 1998

A biography of the acclaimed sculptor known for his mobiles and large public art pieces.

Épisode 1 - Leonard Bernstein: Reaching for the Note

28 octobre 1998

Chronicle of the achievements of the noted composer and conductor of popular and classical music.

Épisode 2 - The Line King: Al Hirschfeld

6 janvier 1999

An in-depth look at the famous art and caricatures of Al Hirschfeld.

Épisode 3 - Paul Robeson: Here I Stand

24 février 1999

Documentary about the life of Paul Robeson: actor, scholar, and rights activist.

Épisode 4 - Robert Rauschenberg: Inventive Genius

7 avril 1999

The boundaries broken by the innovative experimental artist.

Épisode 5 - The Lives of Lillian Hellman

30 juin 1999

The politics and writings of the noted 20th century woman.

Épisode 6 - Dashiell Hammett: Detective, Writer

30 juin 1999

A profile of an author as mysterious as some of his well-known detective stories.

Épisode 7 - Yours for a Song: The Women of Tin Pan Alley

18 août 1999

A story of the women who created some of Broadway's most memorable songs.

Épisode 1 - Hitchcock, Selznick and the End of Hollywood

1 novembre 1999

A chronicle of the clash between two film-making legends when they tried to work together in the 1940s.

Épisode 2 - Norman Rockwell: Painting America

24 novembre 1999

A presentation of the award-winning PBS series American Masters, Norman Rockwell: Painting America etches a warm and indelible portrait of one of America's most beloved artists. Insightful commentary by art experts and historians enhances one's appreciation of Rockwell's deceptively simple work. To look at Rockwell's paintings, one observer notes, is to enter "a mythical land of childhood innocence and exuberance." Director Steven Spielberg, who paid homage to a Rockwell tableau in his film Empire of the Sun, adds, "He dealt with every touchstone in life and made a meal out of it.... He captured us in the blink of an artistic eye." Norman Rockwell: Painting America traces the artist's life and career. One might be surprised, for example, that Rockwell was not born and raised in a small town but in cosmopolitan New York City. We also get a privileged look inside Rockwell's studio for a glimpse into how he created his masterworks. One of his daughters relates an anecdote with the same impish smile her father so wonderfully captured in a famous painting depicting a disheveled schoolgirl sitting outside the principal's office, the victor in a playground tussle with a boy. Rockwell's paintings captured the way we were and how we should be. His legacy and spirit can be seen, for example, in Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life. "He told us we were good," one historian states. Seen in a Person to Person broadcast with host Edward R. Murrow, Rockwell himself remarks, "I paint life as I would like it to be." --Donald Liebenson

Épisode 3 - Ella Fitzgerald: Something to Live For

8 décembre 1999

Narrated by Tony Bennett, the first comprehensive documentary portrait of legendary singer Ella Fitzgerald movingly tells the dramatic but true story of an ambitious girl who raised herself out of poverty to become the most accomplished vocalist of all time. This definitive look at "The First Lady of Song" chronicles Ella's entire career, from her amateur night appearance at the Apollo Theater in New York to her unparalleled success on the stage and screen. The film includes never-before-seen performance footage and interviews with many of the great musicians who worked with and admired this truly amazing performer.

Épisode 4 - Paul Taylor: Dancemaker

5 janvier 2000

The story of a choreographer who contributed much to the style of American performance dance in the modern era.

Épisode 5 - Sidney Poitier: One Bright Light

2 février 2000

A biography of one of the first African-American actors to regularly star in mainstream movies.

Épisode 6 - Isaac Stern: Life's Virtuoso

12 avril 2000

An installment on the violin master with comments from his musical colleagues.

Épisode 7 - The Source: The Story of the Beats and the Beat Generation

31 mai 2000

When Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac and William Burroughs met in New York City in the 1940s, they had no intention of starting a social revolution. According to Ginsberg, “We were just trying to propose our own souls to ourselves.” In the midst of post-war conservatism, these young writers had become disenchanted and were experimenting with new forms of communication.

Épisode 1 - Clint Eastwood: Out of the Shadows

27 septembre 2000

Les carrières hollywoodiennes sont pleines de moments de rupture ou de rupture. Pour Clint Eastwood, un de ces moments est arrivé lorsque les studios de studio ont accepté de le laisser faire ses débuts en tant que réalisateur. Cette histoire et d'autres comprennent ce portrait de la célèbre icône d'Hollywood. Sa carrière est explorée à travers une série de clips, d'interviews et plus encore.

Épisode 2 - Mailer on Mailer

4 octobre 2000

The American writer Norman Mailer and his bristling personality - in his own words.

Épisode 3 - On Cukor

22 novembre 2000

A profile of the half-century career of George Cukor, one of the most beloved motion picture directors and producers, and the impact he had on those in the industry.

Épisode 4 - Lucille Ball: Finding Lucy

3 décembre 2000

The incredible career of Lucille Ball, from youth through the movies, from television star to media mogul. Some of the personalities that comment in this film include Fran Drescher, Van Johnson, Dick Martin, Edie Adams, and Carol Burnett. This episode won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Non-Fiction Program.

Épisode 5 - Bob Marley: Rebel Music

14 février 2001

A profile of reggae superstar Bob Marley (1945-1981), featuring performance and newsreel footage, still photos and interviews with the singer, members of his family and musicians, and music-industry execs he worked with.

Épisode 6 - A Conversation with Gregory Peck

9 avril 2001

Documentary following the Hollywood star Gregory Peck on a tour of speaking engagements, as well as at home with his family in America and Italy. His career is illustrated by extracts from such movies as To Kill a Mockingbird, Roman Holiday, Cape Fear and McArthur.

Épisode 7 - Alfred Stieglitz: The Eloquent Eye

16 avril 2001

Biography of a photographer and leader in bringing modern art works to the galleries of the United States.

Épisode 8 - Coming to Light: Edward S. Curtis and the North American Indians

23 avril 2001

A documentary on a photographer who spent decades trying to record the authentic Native American life.

Épisode 1 - Goldwyn: The Man and His Movies

7 octobre 2001

The story of the dreams and accomplishments of Samuel Goldwyn, a determined immigrant who founded a Hollywood movie dynasty.

Épisode 2 - F. Scott Fitzgerald: Winter Dreams

14 octobre 2001

An examination of the themes and characters of the noted novelist.

Épisode 3 - Richard Rodgers: The Sweetest Sounds

21 octobre 2001

The remarkable songs of America's best-known composer of music for the stage.

Épisode 4 - Quincy Jones: In the Pocket

18 novembre 2001

Profile of the career of the ground-breaking musician and producer.

Épisode 5 - Good Rockin' Tonight: The Legacy of Sun Records

28 novembre 2001

The story of how Sam Phillips founded the record company that pulled together some of the early legends of American Rock 'n' Roll.

Épisode 6 - Merce Cunningham: A Lifetime of Dance

16 décembre 2001

A biography of one of the 20th century's most innovative choreographers.

Épisode 7 - Ralph Ellison: An American Journey

19 février 2002

The impact of African-American author Ellison on the state of culture and literature in the United States.

Épisode 8 - Gene Kelly: Anatomy of a Dancer

1 mars 2002

The colorful life of the choreographer and performer who has often been acknowledged as America's most powerful and athletic dancer.

Épisode 1 - Willie Nelson: Still is Still Moving

2 octobre 2002

An up-close look at the songs and lifestyle of the popular country western personality.

Épisode 2 - Lon Chaney: A Thousand Faces

30 octobre 2002

A biography of the influential actor and director of silent film classics and his contributions to character expression and make-up effects.

Épisode 3 - Juilliard

29 janvier 2003

A retrospective on the history and work of the famous American school for academic mastery of the performing arts.

Épisode 4 - Alice Waters and her Delicious Revolution

19 mars 2003

Follow Alice Waters (b. April 28, 1944) through a year of seasonal shopping and cooking, and discover both the recipes and vision of an artist and an advocate. She and her now-famous restaurant Chez Panisse became a major force behind the way Americans eat and think about food, launching the explosion of local farmers' markets and redesigned supermarket produce departments. Distressed by the food she saw in public schools, Waters started an organic garden with an integrated curriculum at the Martin Luther King Middle School near her house, an idea inspired by The Garden Project at the San Francisco county jail. The idea of an Edible Schoolyard has now spread across the US - and inspired similar programs worldwide. She is an activist with a flawless palette who has taken her gift for food and turned it into consciousness about the environment and nutrition, and a device for social change.

Épisode 5 - Joni Mitchell: A Woman of Heart and Mind

2 avril 2003

The life of the folk singer and songwriting artist and the evolution of her work over three decades.

Épisode 6 - Muddy Waters: Can't Be Satisfied

23 avril 2003

Biography of the legendary blues player from the deep South who's music contributed to the origins of rock-and-roll.

Épisode 7 - Robert Capa: In Love and War

28 mai 2003

A documentary on the famous war photographer and the life he led.

Épisode 8 - The Education of Gore Vidal

30 juillet 2003

A spotlight on the eclectic and often humorous American writer and his many accomplishments.

Épisode 1 - Arthur Miller, Elia Kazan and the Blacklist

3 septembre 2003

The dispute between one of America's most influential playwrights and a respected movie director over actions taken during the "red scare" of the 1950s.

Épisode 2 - James Brown: Soul Survivor

29 octobre 2003

The highs and lows of the life of James Brown, the colorful and controversial "Godfather of Soul."

Épisode 3 - Cary Grant: A Class Apart

7 janvier 2004

“Eternally elegant” screen superstar Cary Grant (1904-86) is profiled. Included are clips from his films and interviews with ex-wife Betsy Drake and widow Barbara Grant. There are also comments from biographers and film critics, and costars Eva Marie Saint and Martin Landau. Helen Mirren is the narrator, and Jeremy Northam provides the voice of Grant.

Épisode 4 - Balanchine

14 janvier 2004

A retrospective on the life and work of George Balanchine, a founder of American ballet.

Épisode 5 - Judy Garland: By Myself

25 février 2004

A detailed examination of the celebrated vocalist's career, from her amazing successes to her self-doubts and personal problems.

Épisode 6 - Henry Luce and Time-Life's America: A Vision of Empire

28 avril 2004

The remarkable work of Luce in combining timely reporting and exciting photography - leading to one of the US's most formidable media empires.

Épisode 7 - Hank Williams: Honky Tonk Blues

23 juin 2004

The brief but impressive career of the man most responsible for defining what is modern "country music."

Épisode 8 - Julia! America's Favorite Chef

18 août 2004

Julia Child was not a natural-born cook - when she married, she could barely boil an egg. But she fell in love with French food, and soon enrolled at the Cordon Bleu where she learned the great tradition of Classical French cuisine. Later, with two French women, she devoted years to writing a manuscript finally published as "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" which became a culinary classic and sold over one million copies. Warm and exuberant, Julia was a natural television star. In 1963, she appeared on public television in "The French Chef," a cooking series unlike anything yet seen on TV. Scooping up a spilled potato pancake or coaxing a reluctant soufflé, Julia was not afraid of making mistakes. Soon a nation fed on Shake n' Bake and Tang would be experimenting with quiche Lorraine and boeuf bourgignon and cooking would become a national pastime. This is the story of Julia's two great loves-love for her husband Paul and for cooking. Through an interview with Julia herself, filmed in her fabled kitchen, and rare images from the photo collection of Paul Child and from family photo albums, Julia Child is revealed as few have seen her before in this tribute and testament to a great American icon.

Épisode 1 - James Dean: Sense Memories

11 mai 2005

The brief but bright career of the cinema star who inspired an entire generation.

Épisode 2 - Sweet Honey in the Rock: Raise Your Voice

29 juin 2005

A profile of the musical group of African-American women who uniquely blend many cultural and historical themes in their work.

Épisode 3 - George Stevens: A Filmmaker's Journey

13 juillet 2005

The life of the famous movie director as told through the eyes of his son (who is also a director).

Épisode 4 - Bob Newhart: Unbuttoned

20 juillet 2005

A chronicle of the famed comic's life and success, from humble accountant to world-famous funny man.

Épisode 5 - Willa Cather: The Road Is All

7 septembre 2005

An analyis of the writings of the early 20th century prairie writer and the inner conflicts they exposed.

Épisode 6 - Ernest Hemingway: Rivers to the Sea

14 septembre 2005

The famous author and his colorful life as told through his writings, letters, and interviews with family and scholars.

Épisode 7 - Bob Dylan: No Direction Home

27 septembre 2005

A journey through the poetry and music of Bob Dylan.

Épisode 1 - John Ford/John Wayne: The Filmmaker & the Legend

10 mai 2006

Épisode 2 - The World of Nat King Cole

17 mai 2006

Archival performances, home movies and interviews illustrate singer Nat King Cole's achievements during a 30-year music and television career.

Épisode 3 - Woody Guthrie: Ain't Got No Home

12 juillet 2006

Épisode 4 - Marilyn: Still Life

19 juillet 2006

Épisode 5 - Walter Cronkite: Witness to History

26 juillet 2006

Walter Cronkite was the man who gave us the news for two tumultuous decades in the late 20th century. As historian, journalist and author David Halberstam says in praise of the great CBS newsman: "Most Americans really learned of the evening news and learned of Vietnam and learned of the civil rights movement and learned of Watergate with Walter Cronkite as the man who ushered it into their homes. And did it with great professionalism over a very long time and was I think absolutely true to himself." In AMERICAN MASTERS Walter Cronkite: Witness to History, a documentary narrated by Katie Couric, historians, fellow journalists and CBS colleagues appraise the career of the man who was called "the most trusted man in America." CBS writer and commentator Andy Rooney, legendary producer/director Don Hewitt, correspondents Mike Wallace, Morley Safer, Lesley Stahl and Barbara Walters, columnists Molly Ivins and Helen Thomas, Senator John McCain and President Jimmy Carter guide the viewer from Cronkite's early days as a foreign correspondent in World War II through his thirty-year career at CBS News.

Épisode 6 - Andy Warhol: A Documentary Film, Part 1

20 septembre 2006

Ric Burns unearths rarely seen footage and offers keen observations on the life and artistic influence of Andy Warhol. Ric Burns' absorbing profile of Andy Warhol (1928–1987) traces the pop icon's rise from poverty to an artist who said art critic Dave Hickey, “changed the world.”

Épisode 7 - Andy Warhol: A Documentary Film, Part 2

20 septembre 2006

Ric Burns unearths rarely seen footage and offers keen observations on the life and artistic influence of Andy Warhol. Ric Burns' absorbing profile of Andy Warhol (1928-87) traces the pop icon's rise from poverty to an artist who said art critic Dave Hickey, “changed the world.”

Épisode 8 - Sketches of Frank Gehry

27 septembre 2006

Frank Gehry loves to sketch. It is the beginning of his architectural process. From Gehry’s sketches flow the models, one after another, each a refinement, that will eventually become finished buildings unlike any others in the architectural world. It is this sketch quality, what he calls the “tentativeness, the messiness,” that Gehry clings to as a way of guarding against formula or repetition. And it is this sketch quality that Sydney Pollack was so keen to explore in the film SKETCHES OF FRANK GEHRY, seen on AMERICAN MASTERS. Beginning with Gehry’s own original sketches for each major project, Pollack’s film explores Gehry’s process of turning these evanescent, abstract drawings into tangible, three-dimensional form: finished buildings of titanium and glass, concrete and steel, wood and stone. Working closely with his colleagues, Gehry takes his sketch ideas and, as quickly as possible, makes them three-dimensional, the better to see how his buildings work, how they fit with their neighbors, how they function in the most essential way. Model after model is scanned into a sophisticated computer and rendered into working drawings.

Épisode 9 - Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens

3 janvier 2007

This film traces the artistic self-realization of Annie Leibovitz, from childhood through the death of her beloved friend, Susan Sontag, and includes snippets of Leibovitz's last visual memories of Sontag. The film traces the arc of her photographic life, her aspirations to artistry, and the trajectory of her career through phases that included the tumultuous sixties in Berkeley, CA., touring with the Rolling Stones, a mentorship by Hunter S. Thompson, and, later, capturing the last candid moments of John Lennon's life with Yoko Ono. It closes with her reflections on life, children, and the the wake of her relationship with Sontag. The archival material presented here is invaluable for framing an understanding of this immeasurably influential visual artist.

Épisode 1 - Novel Reflections on the American Dream

4 avril 2007

Contemporary scholars and novelists give fresh perspectives on some of the great American written works of the 20th century.

Épisode 2 - Atlantic Records: The House That Ahmet Built

2 mai 2007

How Ahmet Ertegun built a recording industry empire in the decades after World War II.

Épisode 3 - Les Paul: Chasing Sound

11 juillet 2007

The musical career and startling technical innovations of a 20th century guitar and sound recording master.

Épisode 4 - David Hockney: The Colors of Music

18 juillet 2007

The story of an internationally renowned production and set designer for the greatest opera houses in the world, a music lover who is going deaf.

Épisode 5 - John James Audubon: Drawn From Nature

25 juillet 2007

A documentary on the wildlife art of an early American naturalist who achieved long-lasting acclaim.

Épisode 6 - Tony Bennett: The Music Never Ends

12 septembre 2007

The musical career of one of America's most enduring popular singers.

Épisode 7 - Orozco: Man of Fire

19 septembre 2007

A portrait of the dramatic work of a Mexican-born muralist and artist, Jose Clemente Orozco, as he made his mark on the United States.

Épisode 8 - Good ol' Charles Schulz

29 octobre 2007

The motivations behind the man who created one of America's most beloved comic strips.

Épisode 9 - Carol Burnett: A Woman of Character

5 novembre 2007

The career of funny woman Carol Burnett, from Broadway to television stardom.

Épisode 1 - Pete Seeger: The Power of Song

27 février 2008

The folk music of a world-famous performer as interested in social change as in the history of American roots music.

Épisode 2 - Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun

9 avril 2008

A recounting of the versatile and controversial work of one of the most flamboyant African-American writers from the first half of the 20th century.

Épisode 3 - Marvin Gaye: What's Going On

7 mai 2008

An in-depth profile of the talented but troubled star who brought more contemporary issues to soul music.

Épisode 4 - You Must Remember This: The Warner Bros. Story: Good War, Uneasy Peace (1935-1950)

23 septembre 2008

"Good War, Uneasy Peace (1935-50)" focuses on how Warner Bros. responded to the Great Depression and World War II, when such stars as Humphrey Bogart, Bette Davis and Errol Flynn graced its pictures. Also: the post-war film noirs are explored. Included: "Casablanca," "Now, Voyager," "The Adventures of Robin Hood," "Kings Row" and "White Heat"; interviews with James Cagney, Howard Hawks, Ronald Reagan and Alexis Smith. Clint Eastwood narrates.

Épisode 5 - You Must Remember This: The Warner Bros. Story: You Ain't Heard Nothin' Yet (1923-1935)

23 septembre 2008

Clint Eastwood narrates the history of Warner Bros., which opens with "You Ain't Heard Nothin' Yet (1923-35)," about the studio's first years, when its biggest star was Rin Tin Tin. Also remembered is its move into gritty fare, featuring James Cagney, Edward G. Robinson and Barbara Stanwyck, and its musicals. Included: "The Jazz Singer," "Public Enemy," "42nd Street," "Baby Face" and "Little Caesar"; interviews with Busby Berkeley, Alfred Hitchcock, Robinson and William Wellman.

Épisode 6 - You Must Remember This: The Warner Bros. Story: A New Reality (1950-1970)

24 septembre 2008

"A New Reality (1950-70)" details how Warner Bros. fought back against TV with such innovations as CinemaScope and 3-D, as well as with such new stars as Doris Day and James Dean. Also: how a battle between Jack and Harry Warner changed the studio's direction. Included: "A Streetcar Named Desire," "East of Eden," "Cool Hand Luke," "A Face in the Crowd" and "My Fair Lady"; interviews with Warren Beatty, Elia Kazan, Kim Hunter, Arthur Penn and Carroll Baker. Clint Eastwood narrates.

Épisode 7 - You Must Remember This: The Warner Bros. Story: Woodstock Notions (1970-1989)

24 septembre 2008

"Woodstock Notions (1970-89)" recalls the creative renaissance of Warner Bros. during the 1970s and '80s. Included: "Mean Streets," "The Exorcist," "Superman: The Movie," "The Shining" and "Body Heat"; interviews with Dustin Hoffman, Clint Eastwood, Jack Nicholson and Robert Redford. Eastwood narrates.

Épisode 8 - You Must Remember This: The Warner Bros. Story: The Big Tent (1980-Present)

25 septembre 2008

"The Big Tent (1980-Present)" chronicles the success of Warner Bros. during the 1980s, '90s and 2000s, including Clint Eastwood's Oscar winners, "The Matrix" franchise and the Harry Potter films. Included: "The Color Purple," "Unforgiven," "Mystic River," "Michael Clayton" and "The Departed"; interviews with Tim Burton, George Clooney, Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg. Eastwood narrates

Épisode 9 - The Brothers Warner

25 septembre 2008

An intimate portrait of the four Warner brothers and their rise to movie-making greatness.

Épisode 1 - Jerome Robbins: Something to Dance About

18 février 2009

The work of the American dance pioneer and choreographer who brought ballet techniques to the Broadway stage.

Épisode 2 - Glass: A Portrait of Philip in Twelve Parts

8 avril 2009

Scott Hicks' acclaimed 2007 film on a year in the life of the modern experimental composer.

Épisode 3 - Hollywood Chinese

27 mai 2009

From the first Chinese-American film produced in 1916, to Ang Lee's triumphant Brokeback Mountain nine decades later, this films brings together a group of actors, writers, directors -- and iconic film images -- to examine Chinese contributions to an industry that was often ignorant and dismissive about race. Such artists as Wayne Wang, Joan Chen, David Henry Hwang, Nancy Kwan and Amy Tan share their experiences of being "the other." These stories and film clips from more than 90 films -- some dating back to the 1890s -- weave a rich tapestry and complex history.

Épisode 4 - Neil Young: Don't Be Denied

10 juin 2009

The work of the legendary rock musician and his artistic and intellectual transitions over the decades.

Épisode 5 - Garrison Keillor: The Man on the Radio in the Red Shoes

1 juillet 2009

A retrospective on the famed radio personality and author centering on A Prairie Home Companion.

Épisode 6 - Trumbo

2 septembre 2009

An account of Dalton Trumbo, a powerful motion picture screenwriter who refused to succumb to the stigma of the Hollywood "blacklist" and rose to prominence once again.

Épisode 7 - Joan Baez: How Sweet the Sound

14 octobre 2009

The folk music career of Joan Baez and the progressive movements she both participated in and influenced.

Épisode 8 - Louisa May Alcott: the Woman Behind 'Little Women'

28 décembre 2009

The author of 'Little Women' is an almost universally recognized name whose reputation as a morally upstanding New England spinster masked a literary double life.

Épisode 1 - Sam Cooke: Crossing Over

11 janvier 2010

Sam Cooke put the spirit of the black church into popular music, creating a new American sound and setting into motion a chain of events that forever altered the course of popular music and race relations in America.

Épisode 2 - I.M. Pei: Building China Modern

31 mars 2010

The work of the innovative Chinese-American architect with a focus on his efforts to build an historical museum in China.

Épisode 3 - The Doors: When You're Strange

12 mai 2010

A documentary that traces the roots of Jim Morrison's iconic rock group and their live and studio performances.

Épisode 4 - Merle Haggard: Learning to Live with Myself

21 juillet 2010

Merle Haggard actually lived the rambling, gambling, love ‘em and leave ‘em, often brutal life that remains the bedrock of country music lyrics.

Épisode 5 - A Letter to Elia

4 octobre 2010

Martin Scorsese pays tribute to the life and work of noted American film director Elia Kazan.

Épisode 6 - Lennon NYC

22 novembre 2010

A look at the period of time musician John Lennon and his family spent living in New York City during the 1970s.

Épisode 7 - Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould

27 décembre 2010

A fresh look at the life of a singular pianist and poet who made an international impact with his music and recordings.

Épisode 8 - Cachao: Uno Más

20 septembre 2010

A feature on the Cuban-born bassist Israel "Cachao" Lopez, an internationally renowned musician, composer, and pioneer of Mambo.

Épisode 1 - Jeff Bridges: The Dude Abides

12 janvier 2011

A retrospective on the laid-back actor who has entertained audiences for close to 40 years.

Épisode 2 - Troubadors: Carole King/James Taylor & the Rise of the Singer-Songwriter

2 mars 2011

Focusing on musicians ranging from James Taylor and Carol King to Elton John.

Épisode 3 - John Muir in the New World

18 avril 2011

This documentary explores the life and legacy of America’s first environmentalist and Sierra Club’s founder. Mountaineers portray Muir in reenactments filmed in Yosemite, the Sierra Nevada, Alaska, Wisconsin, and Alhambra Valley.

Épisode 4 - James Levine: America's Maestro

1 juin 2011

A behind-the-scenes lok at the internationally-renowned conductor of New York's Metropolitan Opera.

Épisode 5 - Pearl Jam Twenty

21 octobre 2011

Told in big themes and bold colors with blistering sound, Pearl Jam Twenty chronicles the years leading up to the band’s formation, the chaos that ensued soon-after being catapulted into superstardom, their step back from the spotlight with the instinct of self-preservation, and the creation of a trusted circle that would surround them — giving way to a work culture that would sustain them. Part concert film, part insider hang, part testimonial to the power of music and uncompromising artists, the film celebrates the freedom that allows Pearl Jam to make music without losing themselves, their fans, or the music lovers they’ve always been. Pearl Jam Twenty features new interviews with original band members Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, and Eddie Vedder, drummer Matt Cameron, and friend and Soundgarden singer/guitarist Chris Cornell, as well as archival performance and interview footage of Mother Love Bone, Pearl Jam, Temple of the Dog, Kurt Cobain, and Neil Young.

Épisode 6 - Bill T. Jones: A Good Man

11 novembre 2011

Bill T. Jones, the recipient of a prestigious MacArthur "genius" grant and winner of two Tony Awards, has been named "an irreplaceable treasure" by the The Dance Heritage Coalition. Above all, he is a socially conscious choreographer who never shies away from controversy -- tackling thorny subjects such as race and politics with elegance and intelligence, artistry and originality.

Épisode 7 - Woody Allen: A Documentary (1)

20 novembre 2011

A film that traces the life and accomplishments of America's unique and recognized comedian/writer/filmmaker.

Épisode 8 - Woody Allen: A Documentary (2)

21 novembre 2011

Iconic writer, director, actor, comedian, and musician Woody Allen allowed his life and creative process to be documented on-camera for the first time. With this unprecedented access, Emmy®-winning, Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Robert Weide followed the notoriously private film legend over a year and a half to create the ultimate film biography.

Épisode 9 - Charles & Ray Eames: The Architect and the Painter

29 décembre 2011

From 1941 to 1978, this husband-and-wife team brought unique talents to their partnership. He was an architect by training, she was a painter and sculptor. Together they are considered America’s most important and influential designers, whose work helped, literally, shape the second half of the 20th century and remains culturally vital and commercially popular today. They are, perhaps, best remembered for their mid-century modern furniture, built from novel materials like molded plywood, fiberglass-reinforced plastic, bent metal wire and aluminum – offering consumers beautiful, functional, yet inexpensive products. Revered for their designs and fascinating as individuals, Charles and Ray have risen to iconic status in American culture. But their influence on significant events and movements in American life – from the development of modernism, to the rise of the computer age – has been less widely understood. Charles and Ray Eames are now profiled as part of American Masters. A film by Jason Cohn and Bill Jersey. Narrated by James Franco.

Épisode 1 - Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune

23 janvier 2012

Three-time Emmy®-nominated filmmaker Kenneth Bowser examines one of American history’s most iconic folk music heroes and political agitators. Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune is a revealing biography of a conflicted, truth-seeking troubadour who, with guitar in hand, stood up for what he believed in and challenged us all to do the same.

Épisode 2 - Cab Calloway: Sketches

27 février 2012

A singer, dancer and bandleader, Cab led one of the most popular African American big bands during the jazz and swing eras of the 1930s-40s, with Harlem’s famous Cotton Club as his home stage. Best known for his “Hi de hi de hi de ho” refrain from signature song “Minnie the Moocher,” portrayal of Sportin’ Life in Porgy and Bess (1952), and role in The Blues Brothers (1980), Cab influenced countless performers, including Michael and Janet Jackson, and many of today’s hip-hop artists.

Épisode 3 - Margaret Mitchell: American Rebel

2 avril 2012

Margaret Mitchell: American Rebel engages leading historians, biographers and personal friends to reveal a complex woman who experienced profound identity shifts during her life and struggled with the two great issues of her day: the changing role of women and the liberation of African Americans.

Épisode 4 - Harper Lee: Hey, Boo

2 avril 2012

One of the biggest bestsellers of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) is the first and only novel by a young woman named Nelle Harper Lee, who once said that she wanted to be South Alabama’s Jane Austen. Lee won the Pulitzer Prize and became a mystery when she stopped speaking to press in 1964. More than 50 years after its publication, To Kill a Mockingbird has been translated into more than 40 languages worldwide, still sells nearly one million copies each year and is required reading in most American classrooms, making it quite possibly the most influential American novel of the 20th century. The 1962 film version, starring Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch, won a trio of Academy Awards. Harper Lee: Hey, Boo chronicles how this beloved novel came to be written, provides the context and history of the Deep South where it is set, and documents the many ways the novel has changed minds and shaped history. For teachers, students or fans of the classic, Hey, Boo enhances the experience of reading To Kill a Mockingbird.

Épisode 5 - Johnny Carson: King of Late Night

14 mai 2012

Quite possibly the biggest star that television has ever produced, Carson commanded, at his peak, a nightly audience of 15 million viewers – double the current audience of Leno and Letterman – combined. Rarely giving interviews, Carson chose to remain a very private man whose public persona made him an American superstar.

Épisode 6 - The Day Carl Sandburg Died

24 septembre 2012

For much of the 20th century, Sandburg was synonymous with the American experience, a spokesman on behalf of the people. One of the most successful writers in the English language, Sandburg was a three-time Pulitzer Prize-winner for his poetry as well as part of his six-volume Lincoln biography. Yet, after his death, Sandburg’s literary legacy faded and his poems, once taught in schools across America, were dismissed under the weight of massive critical attack.

Épisode 7 - Inventing David Geffen

20 novembre 2012

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.

Épisode 8 - Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance

28 décembre 2012

Documenting how the Joffrey revolutionized American ballet – combining modern dance with classic technique, art with social statement and rock music with traditional choreography – this film is a palpable expression of Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino’s vision and artistry.

Épisode 1 - Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Godmother of Rock & Roll

22 février 2013

Despite not being a household name today, Sister Rosetta Tharpe is one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Her flamboyance, skill, and showmanship on the newly electrified guitar played a vital role in the conception of Rock & Roll as a genre of music. Featuring archival performances and using new interviews with fellow musicians, producers, friends, and colleagues, this film tells the story of a talented and determined woman that introduces spiritual passion of her gospel music background into Rock & Roll. Learn more about Sister Rosetta Tharpe, her life story, and lasting artistic legacy.

Épisode 2 - Philip Roth: Unmasked

29 mars 2013

American Masters explores the life and career of Pulitzer Prize- and National Book Award-winning novelist Philip Roth, often referred to as the greatest living American writer. Reclusive and diffident, Roth grants very few interviews, but for the first time, allowed a journalist to spend 10 days interviewing him on camera.

Épisode 3 - Mel Brooks: Make a Noise

20 mai 2013

Mel Brooks: Make a Noise journeys through Brooks’ early years in the creative beginnings of live television — with Sid Caesar on Your Show of Shows — to the film genres he so successfully satirized in Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles, High Anxiety, and Spaceballs — to the groundbreaking Broadway musical version of his first film, The Producers. The documentary also delves into his professional and personal ups and downs — his childhood, his first wife and subsequent 41-year marriage to Anne Bancroft — capturing a never-before-heard sense of reflection and confession. Robert Trachtenberg is writer, director, producer, and editor. Susan Lacy is American Masters series creator and executive producer.

Épisode 4 - Billie Jean King

10 septembre 2013

For the first time, American Masters profiles a sports figure: Billie Jean King, a determined woman who has been a major force in changing and democratizing the cultural landscape. American Masters Billie Jean King premieres nationally Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at 8 p.m. on PBS (check local listings) to commemorate the 40th anniversaries of the Billie Jean King v. Bobby Riggs “The Battle of the Sexes” match on Sept. 20, 1973, and the founding of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) by King on June 20 of that year. This new documentary traces the incredible life of the single most important female athlete of the 20th century as her 70th birthday nears.

Épisode 5 - Jimi Hendrix: Hear My Train a Comin'

5 novembre 2013

C'est à 27 ans, le 18 septembre 1970, que disparaissait Jimi Hendrix, fauché au sommet de sa gloire après une carrière fulgurante. Avec ses nombreux témoignages et ses archives inédites des concerts mythiques du "plus grand guitariste de l'histoire du rock", ce documentaire magistral brosse un portrait électrisant du musicien.

Épisode 1 - Marvin Hamlisch: What He Did For Love

27 décembre 2013

Composer, conductor, genius, mensch: Marvin Hamlisch (June 2, 1944 – Aug. 6, 2012) earned four Grammys, four Emmys, three Oscars, three Golden Globes, a Tony Award and a Pulitzer Prize before his untimely death, making him one of only two PEGOT winners ever. Hit after hit — “The Way We Were,” “Nobody Does It Better” and scores for The Sting, Sophie’s Choice and the Broadway juggernaut A Chorus Line — made him the go-to composer and performer for film, Broadway, every U.S. President since Reagan and concert halls worldwide. With exclusive access to Hamlisch’s personal archival treasure trove and complete cooperation from his family, Dramatic Forces and THIRTEEN’s American Masters explore his prolific life and career in the series’ Season 27 finale, Marvin Hamlisch: What He Did For Love, premiering nationally Friday, December 27, 2013, 9 -10:30 p.m. ET on PBS

Épisode 2 - Salinger

21 janvier 2014

Featuring never-before-seen photographs, personal stories and moments from J.D. Salinger’s (Jan. 1, 1919 – Jan. 27, 2010) life and harrowing service in World War II, Salerno’s new director’s cut expands his intimate portrait of the enigmatic author of The Catcher in the Rye. American Masters was the first to close a deal with Salerno for Salinger, securing the exclusive domestic television rights to the documentary in January 2013. An official selection of the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival and Telluride Film Festival, the film made front page news all over the world with its revelations. Associated Press called the research yielded during Salerno’s 10-year investigation “unprecedented” and “thoroughly documented.”

Épisode 3 - Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth

7 février 2014

Writer and activist Alice Walker (b. Feb. 9, 1944) made history as the first African-American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for her seminal novel The Color Purple (1982), for which she won the National Book Award. American Masters presents Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth, premiering nationally Friday, February 7 at 9 p.m. on PBS in honor of Walker’s 70th birthday and Black History Month. Filmmaker Pratibha Parmar’s new documentary tells Walker’s dramatic life story with poetry and lyricism, and features new interviews with Walker, Steven Spielberg, Danny Glover, Quincy Jones, Gloria Steinem, Sapphire and the late Howard Zinn in one of his final interviews. American Masters — Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth charts Walker’s inspiring journey from her birth into a family of sharecroppers in Eatonton, Georgia, to the present. The film explores Walker’s relationship with her mother, poverty, and participation in the Civil Rights Movement, which were the formative influences on her consciousness and became the inherent themes in her writing. Living through the violent racism and seismic social changes of mid-20th century America, Walker overcame adversity to achieve international recognition as one of the most influential — and controversial — writers of the 20th century.

Épisode 4 - A Fierce Green Fire

22 avril 2014

An exploration of the environmental movement from the 1960s through 2009. Included: the battle in the 1960s to block dams from the Grand Canyon; the Love Canal scandal of the 1970s; Greenpeace's efforts to save whales and baby harp seals; the global resource crises of the 1980s; and the 25-year effort to address climate change. Narrators include Robert Redford, Meryl Streep, Ashley Judd, Van Jones and Isabel Allende.

Épisode 5 - Plimpton! Starring George Plimpton as Himself

16 mai 2014

Famed participatory journalist George Plimpton (1927–2003) was a writer, editor, amateur sportsman, actor, and friend to many. Plimpton’s remarkable life is showcased in a documentary that is both a chronicle of one of the last century’s most intriguing characters, as well as a cinematic adaption of his nuanced and funny literary style. Using Plimpton’s own narration, new interviews with friends, family and contemporaries, and extensive archival material, the film creates a compelling portrait of a one-of-a-kind person who lived fully, strangely and incredibly. Plimpton co-founded and worked as the editor of influential literary magazine The Paris Review for 50 years (1953-2003). The Paris Review and Plimpton’s widow Sarah Dudley Plimpton, granted filmmakers Tom Bean and Luke Poling full access to George’s private archives, including previously unseen material. Aside from his work at The Paris Review, Plimpton wrote for Sports Illustrated; hung out with U.S. presidents and was part of the Kennedys’ inner circle; played quarterback for the Detroit Lions; got Willie Mays to pop out in Yankee Stadium; photographed Playboy models; played goalie for the Boston Bruins; performed with the New York Philharmonic; boxed against light-heavyweight champion Archie Moore; acted alongside John Wayne, Warren Beatty and Matt Damon; and authored more than 15 books, including Out of My League (1961), Paper Lion (1966) and The Bogey Man (1967). Some of Plimpton’s DIY journalism stunts were turned into primetime network television films, including his circus flying trapeze act, African wildlife photography for Life magazine, and attempt at stand-up comedy. Sharing these experiences and more, American Masters: Plimpton! Starring George Plimpton as Himself is about football, literature, magazines, fireworks, hockey, movies, presidents, lawn chairs, geniuses, and the true tall tale that brought them all together. Featured interviews include Robert Kennedy, Jr.; Hug

Épisode 6 - Tanaquil Le Clercq: Afternoon of a Faun

20 juin 2014

Tanaquil Le Clercq (1929–2000) was a star ballerina with the New York City Ballet who greatly influenced choreographers George Balanchine (her husband) and Jerome Robbins (her friend). Filmmaker Nancy Buirski spotlights Le Clercq’s ballet career, influence on dance, and her struggle with polio, which paralyzed her at the height of her fame.

Épisode 7 - Dorothea Lange: Grab a Hunk of Lightning

29 août 2014

Her celebrated photograph Migrant Mother is one of the most recognized and arresting images in the world, a haunting portrait that came to represent the suffering of America’s Great Depression. Yet few know the story, struggles and profound body of work of the woman who created the portrait: Dorothea Lange (May 26, 1895 — Oct. 11, 1965). American Masters — Dorothea Lange: Grab a Hunk of Lightning premiering nationwide Friday, August 29 at 9-11 pm on PBS (check local listings) explores the life, passions and uncompromising vision of the influential photographer, whose enduring images document five turbulent decades of American history, including the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl and World War II Japanese internment camps. Peabody- and five-time Emmy award-winning cinematographer Dyanna Taylor — the granddaughter of Lange and writer/social scientist Paul Schuster Taylor — directs and narrates this intimate American Masters documentary. Taylor, who learned to see the visual world through her grandmother’s eyes, combines family memories and journals with never-before-seen photos and film footage to bring Lange’s story into sharp focus. The result is a personal documentary of the artist whose empathy for people on the margins of society challenged America to know itself. The film features newly discovered interviews and vérité scenes with Lange from her Bay Area home studio, circa 1962-1965, including work on her unprecedented, one-woman career retrospective at New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Showcasing more than 800 works by Lange, her first husband Maynard Dixon and second husband Paul Schuster Taylor combined, American Masters — Dorothea Lange: Grab a Hunk of Lightning reveals the camera as Lange’s first muse and the confluence of artists at work and in love. Explaining the impact of these relationships on Lange’s life and documentary photography style, filmmaker/narrator Dyanna Taylor demonstrates the challenges of balancing

Épisode 8 - Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work

23 septembre 2014

Épisode 9 - The Boomer List

23 septembre 2014

From the time of its birth, the baby boomer generation (1946-1964) has significantly and uniquely changed our world. 2014 marks an important shift in American culture, as the last boomers turn 50. American Masters: The Boomer List, tells the story of this influential generation through the lives of 19 iconic boomers—one born each year of the baby boom:

Épisode 10 - Bing Crosby Rediscovered

2 décembre 2014

Bing Crosby (1903-77) is remembered via home movies, Dictabelt recordings, photos and insights from wife Kathryn, daughter Mary and sons Harry and Nathaniel. He scored nearly 400 hit singles, including the classic "White Christmas"; and appeared in such popular films as "White Christmas" and "Going My Way." The profile details the allegations of abuse leveled against him by son Gary (1933-95); and explains how his beloved duet with David Bowie on "Little Drummer Boy-Peace on Earth" came about.

Épisode 1 - Ricky Jay: Deceptive Practice

23 janvier 2015

This portrait of the inimitable magician Ricky Jay delves into the mysterious world of sleight-of-hand and its small circle of eccentric devotees. Jay is also a best-selling author, historian, actor and a leading collector of antiquarian books and artifacts. Told largely in Jay’s own distinctive voice, the documentary traces the story of his achievement and that of other master magicians.

Épisode 2 - August Wilson: The Ground on Which I Stand

20 février 2015

Unprecedented access to Wilson’s theatrical archives, rarely seen interviews and new dramatic readings bring to life his seminal 10-play cycle chronicling a century of African-American life. Wilson won two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama.

Épisode 3 - Jascha Heifetz: God's Fiddler

16 avril 2015

A profile of legendary violin virtuoso Jascha Heifetz (1901-87), featuring remarks from violinists Itzhak Perlman, Ivry Gitlis and Ida Haendel; former students Ayke Agus and Sherry Kloss; and biographers John Anthony Maltese and Arthur Vered.

Épisode 4 - American Ballet Theatre: A History

15 mai 2015

Delving into the rich history of one of the world’s preeminent ballet companies, Ric Burns combines intimate rehearsal footage, virtuoso performances and interviews with American Ballet Theatre’s key figures.

Épisode 5 - Harper Lee

10 juillet 2015

One of the biggest American bestsellers of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) was thought to be the first and only novel by Harper Lee. However, on July 14, 2015, Go Set a Watchman was released, featuring characters from Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Newly updated version of Mary McDonagh Murphy’s 2012 documentary, Harper Lee: Hey, Boo.

Épisode 6 - Pedro E. Guerrero: A Photographer's Journey

18 septembre 2015

An exclusive interview with Mexican-American photographer Pedro E. Guerrero explores his life and work. He collaborated with iconic American artists of the 20th century -- architect Frank Lloyd Wright and sculptors Alexander Calder and Louise Nevelson -- and became one of the most sought-after photographers of the “Mad Men” era.

Épisode 7 - Althea

4 septembre 2015

This is the story of Althea Gibson (1927-2003), a truant from the rough streets of Harlem, who emerged as the unlikely queen of the highly segregated tennis world in the 1950s. She was the first African American to play and win at Wimbledon and the U.S. Nationals (precursor of the U.S. Open) — a decade before Arthur Ashe. Interviewees include Wimbledon champion Dick Savitt and Billie Jean King.

Épisode 8 - The Women's List

25 septembre 2015

Meet 15 women who define contemporary American culture in Timothy Greenfield-Sanders’ new “List” film featuring Madeleine Albright, Margaret Cho, Edie Falco, Betsey Johnson, Alicia Keys, Nancy Pelosi, Rosie Perez, Wendy Williams and more. All trailblazers in their fields, these women share their experiences struggling against discrimination and overcoming challenges to make their voices heard.

Épisode 1 - Mike Nichols

29 janvier 2016

The life and 50-year career of director Mike Nichols, one of only two people who have won Peabody, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards.

Épisode 2 - B.B. King: The Life of Riley

12 février 2016

The challenging life and career of blues guitarist B.B. King; candid interviews feature Bono, Bonnie Raitt, Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, John Mayer, and Ringo Starr.

Épisode 3 - Carole King: Natural Woman

19 février 2016

Rare home movies, performances and photos help illustrate the life and career of singer-songwriter Carole King, from 1960s New York to Los Angeles in the 1970s to the present.

Épisode 4 - Fats Domino and The Birth of Rock 'n' Roll

26 février 2016

Épisode 5 - Loretta Lynn: Still a Mountain Girl

4 mars 2016

A profile of country music icon Loretta Lynn, whose hard-fought road to stardom was dramatized in the 1980 film "Coal Miner's Daughter." Included: home movies, photos and concert footage, plus insights from family, friends and fellow musicians, including Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson, Jack White and Trisha Yearwood.

Épisode 6 - Janis: Little Girl Blue

3 mai 2016

One of the most revered and influential rock ’n’ roll singers of all time, Janis Joplin (January 19, 1943 – October 4, 1970) thrilled audiences and blazed new creative trails before her death at age 27. Oscar-nominated director Amy Berg (Deliver Us From Evil, West of Memphis, Prophet’s Prey) examines Joplin’s story in depth, for the first time on film, presenting an intimate portrait of a complicated and driven artist.

Épisode 7 - The Highwaymen: Friends Till the End

27 mai 2016

Discover the story behind the pioneering outlaw country music supergroup that featured Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson, told through vintage performances and new interviews about life on the road and in the studio.

Épisode 8 - Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You

25 octobre 2016

Writer/producer Norman Lear's turbulent childhood, early success with sitcoms ``All in the Family,'' ``The Jeffersons,'' ``Good Times'' and ``Maude,'' and social activism.

Épisode 9 - Eero Saarinen: The Architect Who Saw the Future

27 décembre 2016

The film explores the life and visionary work of Finnish-American modernist architectural giant Eero Saarinen (1910-1961). Best known for designing National Historic Landmarks such as St. Louis’ iconic Gateway Arch and the General Motors Technical Center (Warren, Mich.), Saarinen also designed New York’s TWA Flight Center at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Yale University’s Ingalls Rink and Morse and Ezra Stiles Colleges, Virginia’s Dulles Airport, and modernist pedestal furniture like the Tulip chair.

Épisode 1 - By Sidney Lumet

3 janvier 2017

In a 2008 interview, director Sidney Lumet talks about his life and career, which included 44 films in 50 years.

Épisode 2 - Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise

21 février 2017

The life of author and activist Maya Angelou, with comments from Oprah Winfrey, Common, Bill and Hillary Clinton and others.

Épisode 3 - Patsy Cline

1 mars 2017

A profile of influential country singer Patsy Cline (1932-63), featuring archival performances of such songs as "Walkin' After Midnight," "I Fall to Pieces" and "Crazy"; and remarks from artists who knew her and others influenced by her.

Épisode 4 - James Beard: America's First Foodie

19 mai 2017

Experience a century of food through the life of one man, James Beard (1903-1985). Dubbed the “Dean of American Cookery” by The New York Times, Beard was a Portland, Ore., native who loved and celebrated the bounty of the Pacific Northwest. He spoke of the importance of localism and sustainability long before those terms had entered the vernacular.

Épisode 5 - Jacques Pépin: The Art of Craft

26 mai 2017

Discover the story of Chef Jacques Pépin (b. December 18, 1935), a young immigrant with movie-star looks, a charming Gallic accent, and a mastery of cooking and teaching so breathtaking he became an early food icon—joining James Beard and Julia Child among the handful of Americans who transformed the way the country views the food world

Épisode 6 - Richard Linklater: Dream Is Destiny

1 septembre 2017

A trove of never-before-seen archival footage provides an unconventional look at the fiercely independent style of filmmaking that emerged out of Austin, Texas in the late 1980s and 1990s with Linklater as its poster boy.

Épisode 7 - Tyrus Wong

8 septembre 2017

The unlikely story of 106-year old Chinese American artist Tyrus Wong, and how he overcame poverty and racism in America to become a celebrated modernist painter, Hollywood sketch artist, and “Disney Legend” for his groundbreaking work on the classic animated film, Bambi.

Épisode 8 - Edgar Allan Poe: Buried Alive

30 octobre 2017

A profile of Edgar Allan Poe (1809-49), who's best known for his Gothic horror tales and narrative poem "The Raven." He also created the detective fiction genre with "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" in 1841; and published more comedies than horror. After Poe's untimely death, a literary rival penned a high-profile, decidedly unflattering obituary that made him sound like one of the narrators of his horror tales. The truth, of course, is far more complex. Here, Poe experts correct the record.

Épisode 9 - Inspiring Woman Web Series

8 novembre 2017

Six innovators tell their own stories and explain how they’re changing their respective industries: podcast host Tracy Clayton, Chef Angie Mar, JavaScript developer Sara Chipps, web-cam performance artist Molly Soda, entrepreneur Rakia Reynolds, and visual artist Tatyana Fazlalizadeh.

Épisode 10 - This Is Bob Hope

13 novembre 2017

A candid look at a remarkable life with unprecedented access to Bob Hope’s personal archives, including writings voiced by Billy Crystal and clips from Hope’s body of work to reveal a gifted and very human individual who recognized the power of fame, embraced its responsibilities and handled celebrity with extraordinary wit and grace.

Épisode 1 - Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart

19 janvier 2018

Explore the inner life and works of the activist, playwright and author of “A Raisin in the Sun,” Lorraine Hansberry. Narrated by actress LaTanya Richardson Jackson and featuring the voice of Tony Award-winning actress Anika Noni Rose as Hansberry.

Épisode 2 - Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story

18 mai 2018

A profile of Hollywood star Hedy Lamarr (1914-2000), who was known as the world's most beautiful woman. Behind the pretty face, however, was the mind of an ingenious inventor whose pioneering work helped revolutionize modern communication. An Austrian Jewish emigrant, she invented a covert communication system to try to help defeat the Nazis; and it was her concept that is now used as the basis for secure WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth technologies.

Épisode 3 - Ted Williams: “The Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived”

23 juillet 2018

American Masters: Ted Williams (w.t.) will also look at the impact the iconic hitter has had on the current generation of stars in Major League Baseball. Superstars like Kris Bryant, Daniel Murphy and Josh Donaldson have credited Williams’ methods to hitting as guides in their own approach today.

Épisode 4 - Artists Flight: Eva Hesse

31 août 2018

As the wild ride of the 1960s came to a close, Eva Hesse, a 34 year-old German-born American artist was cresting the wave of a swiftly rising career. One of the few women recognized as central to the New York art scene, she had over 20 group shows scheduled for 1970 in addition to being chosen for a cover article in ArtForum Magazine. Her inventive sculptures were finally receiving both the critical and commercial attention they deserved. When she died May 1970 from a brain tumor, the life of one of that decades’ most passionate and brilliant artists was tragically cut short. American Masters deepens the understanding of this extraordinary artist, not only in terms of her innovative work with fiberglass and latex, but also the life that provided the fertile soil for her achievements. Through dozens of new interviews, Hesse’s artwork and a wealth of newly discovered archival imagery, the documentary traces Hesse’s path and delves deep into the creative communities of 1960s New York and Germany. Written and directed by Marcie Begleiter.

Épisode 5 - Artists Flight: Everybody Knows…Elizabeth Murray

7 septembre 2018

This intimate portrait of maverick painter and printmaker Elizabeth Murray explores the relationship between her family life and career, and reconsiders her place in contemporary art history. Excerpts from her journals voiced by Meryl Streep, verité footage and home videos show Murray’s internal struggles and incredible ambition. Exclusive interviews with art world luminaries describe the thriving New York art scene within which Murray challenged and captivated her viewers. In 2005, Murray was the fifth woman to be celebrated with a retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art. Breaking convention, Murray’s paintings still defy efforts at categorization. Through them she made an indelible imprint on the contemporary art world. This film chronicles her remarkable journey from an impoverished childhood in Chicago to the extraordinary art world of lower Manhattan, before she lost her life to cancer in 2007. American Masters: Everybody Knows…Elizabeth Murray cements Murray’s legacy as one of the great painters of our time. Directed and produced by Kristi Zea.

Épisode 6 - Andrew Wyeth

7 septembre 2018

Wyeth tells the story of one of America’s most popular, but least understood, artists – Andrew Wyeth. Son of the famous illustrator N.C. Wyeth, Andrew had his first exhibition at age 20, and his painting “Christina’s World” was acquired by the Museum of Modern Art in 1948. While Wyeth’s exhibitions routinely broke attendance records, art world critics continually assaulted his work. Detailing the stunning drawings and powerful portraits he created in Chadds Ford, Pa., and on the coast of Cushing, Maine, Wyeth explores his inspirations, including neighbor Christina Olsen and his hidden muse, the German model Helga Testorf, who he painted secretly for 15 years. Through unprecedented access to Wyeth’s family members, including sons Jamie and Nicholas Wyeth, and never-before-seen archival materials from the family’s personal collection and hundreds of Wyeth’s studies, drawings and paintings, American Masters presents the most complete portrait of the artist yet — bearing witness to a legacy just at the moment it is evolving.

Épisode 7 - Basquiat: Rage to Riches

14 septembre 2018

One of the most influential American artists of the 20th century, Jean-Michel Basquiat was a rock star of the early ’80s New York art scene. He lived fast, died young and created thousands of drawings and paintings. It took less than a decade for Basquiat, an accountant’s son from Brooklyn, to go from anonymous graffiti writer known as SAMO© to an epoch-defining art star. Today, Basquiat is in the top tier of the international art market along with Picasso, de Kooning, and Francis Bacon. 2018 marks the 30th anniversary of Basquiat’s untimely death from a heroin overdose. In death, he has emerged as one of the most important artists of his generation and now exhibits in museums all over the world.

Épisode 8 - Itzhak Perlman

14 octobre 2018

A cinéma vérité look at the remarkable life and career of world-renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman, a polio survivor whose parents emigrated from Poland to Israel in the mid-1930s. His life story unfolds through conversations with fellow musicians and friends, including Billy Joel, Alan Alda, pianist Martha Argerich, cellist Mischa Maisky, and his wife of 50 years, Toby.

Épisode 1 - Decoding Watson

2 janvier 2019

Meet James Watson, the Nobel Prize-winning scientist behind the double helix as he confronts his complex legacy. With unprecedented access to Watson and his family, "American Masters: Decoding Watson" explores his life, achievements, controversies and contradictions.

Épisode 2 - Sammy Davis, Jr.: I've Gotta Be Me

19 février 2019

Sammy Davis, Jr. had the kind of career that was indisputably legendary, so vast and multi-faceted that it was dizzying in its scope and scale. And yet, his life was complex, complicated and contradictory. Davis strove to achieve the American Dream in a time of racial prejudice and shifting political territory.

Épisode 3 - Charley Pride

22 février 2019

Raised in segregated Mississippi, country performer Charley Pride proves artistic expression can triumph over prejudice and injustice.

Épisode 4 - Holly Near: Singing for Our Lives

1 mars 2019

For 40 years, singer and activist Holly Near works on global social justice coalition-building in the women's and lesbian movements.

Épisode 5 - Joseph Pulitzer: Voice Of The People

12 avril 2019

Hungarian immigrant Joseph Pulitzer becomes one of America's most feared and admired newspaper moguls and a crusader for freedom of the press.

Épisode 6 - Garry Winogrand: All Things are Photographable

19 avril 2019

A documentary about an important American still photographer who captured New York City in the 1960s (his work there is said to have influenced the TV show Mad Men) and later the West in Texas and Los Angeles.

Épisode 7 - Robert Shaw -- Man of Many Voices

21 juin 2019

A profile of the conductor, his work with the civil rights movement, and his musical legacy.

Épisode 8 - Terrence McNally: Every Act of Life

14 juin 2019

Playwright, librettist, scriptwriter and outspoken LGBTQ activist Terrence McNally has long believed in the power of the arts to transform society and make a difference. The film lifts the curtain on the life, career and inspirations of the complicated and brilliant Emmy- and four-time Tony Award-winning writer.

Épisode 9 - Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin

2 août 2019

Explore the remarkable life and legacy of late feminist author Ursula K. Le Guin whose groundbreaking work, including “The Left Hand of Darkness,” transformed American literature by bringing science fiction into the literary mainstream.

Épisode 10 - Raúl Juliá: The World’s a Stage

13 septembre 2019

From award-winning director Ben DeJesus (Great Performances: John Leguizamo’s Road to Broadway, John Leguizamo: Tales from a Ghetto Klown), Raúl Juliá: The World’s a Stage is a warm and revealing portrait of the charismatic, groundbreaking actor’s journey from his native Puerto Rico to the creative hotbed of 1960s New York City, to prominence on Broadway and in Hollywood. Filled with passion, determination and joy, Juliá’s brilliant and daring career was tragically cut short by his untimely death 25 years ago, at age 54.

Épisode 11 - Rothko: Pictures Must Be Miraculous

25 octobre 2019

One of the most influential artists of the 20thcentury, Mark Rothko’s signature style helped define Abstract Expressionism, the movement that shifted the center of the art world from Paris to New York. Interviews with Rothko’s children, Kate and Christopher, as well as leading curators, art historians and conservators present a comprehensive look at the artist’s life and career, complemented by original scenes with Alfred Molina in the role of Rothko. Over a career spanning five decades, Rothko developed his signature style: large, abstract color fields with luminous rectangular forms that balance depth, shape and hue through the delicate layering of many thin washes of paint. While Rothko’s paintings show close attention to formal elements, he was concerned with the way the paintings could represent philosophical questions. In his words, he was “interested only in expressing basic human emotions — tragedy, ecstasy, doom.”

Épisode 12 - N. Scott Momaday: Words from a Bear

18 novembre 2019

Delve into the enigmatic life and mind of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and poet N. Scott Momaday, best known for “House Made of Dawn” and a formative voice of the Native American Renaissance in art and literature.

Épisode 1 - Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool

25 février 2020

Discover the man behind the legend. With full access to the Miles Davis Estate, the film features never-before-seen footage, including studio outtakes from his recording sessions, rare photos and new interviews. American Masters Presents Stanley Nelson’s Grammy-nominated Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool

Épisode 2 - Mae West: Dirty Blonde

16 juin 2020

Dive into the life and career of groundbreaking writer, performer and subversive star Mae West. Over a career spanning eight decades, she broke boundaries and possessed creative and economic powers unheard of for a female entertainer in the 1930s.

Épisode 3 - Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am

23 juin 2020

Toni Morrison leads an assembly of her peers and critics on an exploration of the powerful themes she confronted throughout her literary career in this artful and intimate meditation that examines the life and work of the legendary storyteller.

Épisode 4 - Unladylike2020: Unsung Women Who Changed America

10 juillet 2020

Illuminating the stories of extraordinary American heroines from the early years of feminism, American Masters — Unladylike2020 is a multimedia series consisting of a one-hour special for broadcast and 26 digital short films featuring courageous, little-known and diverse female trailblazers from the turn of the 20th century.

Épisode 5 - Walter Winchell: The Power of Gossip

20 octobre 2020

American Masters – Walter Winchell: The Power of Gossip traces the life and career of the syndicated columnist, radio news commentator and television host who pioneered the fast-paced, gossip driven, politically charged media culture that dominates today. At the height of his career, Winchell had a combined print and radio audience of 50 million and the power to make or break careers. He became the most feared and admired man in America, a man who transformed entertainment journalism and championed “Mr. and Mrs. America” in his daily columns and Sunday night radio program. Decades later, an alliance with Senator Joseph McCarthy and feuds with Josephine Baker and Ed Sullivan turned his audience against him and forced him into obscurity. Featuring Stanley Tucci as Winchell and narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, this American Masters documentary breathes new life into Winchell’s original newspaper columns and broadcast scripts, drawing on rare recordings and a recently digitized collection of his work in the Billy Rose Theatre Division at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Winchell’s own words comprise nearly a quarter of the script as the film tracks the rise and fall of his career, and his continued influence on today’s media. “He was not only present at the creation of modern journalism,” concludes biographer and film interviewee Neal Gabler, “in many respects he was the creation.”

Épisode 6 - Michael Tilson Thomas: Where Now Is

23 octobre 2020

Discover the Grammy-winning conductor, pianist and composer. A National Medal of Arts recipient and longtime music director of the San Francisco Symphony, he helped set the standard that an American orchestra should champion modern American music.

Épisode 7 - Keith Haring: Street Art Boy

11 décembre 2020

Artist Keith Haring blazes a trail through the art scene of 1980s New York.

Épisode 8 - Laura Ingalls Wilder: Prairie to Page

29 décembre 2020

An unvarnished look at the unlikely “Little House” series author whose autobiographical fiction helped shape American ideas of the frontier and self-reliance.

Épisode 1 - How It Feels To Be Free

18 janvier 2021

A documentary that tells the inspiring story of how six iconic African American women entertainers – Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, Nina Simone, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson and Pam Grier – challenged an entertainment industry deeply complicit in perpetuating racist stereotypes, and transformed themselves and their audiences in the process.

Épisode 2 - Flannery

23 mars 2021

Explore the life of Flannery O’Connor whose provocative fiction was unlike anything published before. Featuring never-before-seen archival footage, newly discovered journals and interviews with Mary Karr, Tommy Lee Jones, Hilton Als and more.

Épisode 3 - Twyla Moves

26 mars 2021

Explore legendary choreographer Twyla Tharp’s career and famously rigorous creative process, with original interviews, first-hand glimpses of her at work and rare archival footage of select performances from her more than 160 choreographed works.

Épisode 4 - Never Too Late: The Doc Severinsen Story

2 avril 2021

The life and career of jazz trumpeter Doc Severinsen, leader of the band for "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," who continued a schedule of touring and performing into his 90s.

Épisode 5 - Oliver Sacks: His Own Life

9 avril 2021

The life and work of neurologist and storyteller Oliver Sacks, including personal details about his battles with drug addiction and homophobia.

Épisode 6 - Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir

3 mai 2021

The life and career of author Amy Tan, with archival imagery, home movies, photographs, animation and original interviews.

Épisode 7 - Ballerina Boys

4 juin 2021

The story of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, a company of men who dance on pointe as ballerinas.

Épisode 8 - Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase the Blues Away

27 juillet 2021

The career of blues guitarist Buddy Guy, a pioneer of Chicago's West Side sound, and his influence on rock musicians including Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton.

Épisode 9 - Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It

5 octobre 2021

For over 70 years, Rita Moreno has inspired audiences with her performances, the film follows her journey from her childhood to stardom.

Épisode 10 - Becoming Helen Keller

19 octobre 2021

Revisit the complex life and legacy of the author, advocate and human rights pioneer. Helen Keller, who was deaf and blind, used her celebrity and wit to champion rights for women, people with disabilities and people living in poverty.

Épisode 1 - Ailey

11 janvier 2022

The life and career of choreographer Alvin Ailey, whose dances focus on the Black experience, interviews with those close to him and a glimpse into his dance studios.

Épisode 2 - Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands

8 février 2022

Discover an international singer who captivated royalty in Europe and defied the conscience of 1939 America. Watch rare archival footage and hear audio recordings exploring her life and career from the Metropolitan Opera to the State Department.

Épisode 3 - Waterman — Duke: Ambassador of Aloha

10 mai 2022

The journey and legacy of five-time Olympic medalist Duke Kahanamoku, who broke swimming records and popularized modern-day surfing while overcoming racism.

Épisode 4 - Joe Papp in Five Acts

3 juin 2022

Joe Papp, founder of The Public Theater, Free Shakespeare in the Park and producer of groundbreaking plays like "Hair," "A Chorus Line" and "for colored girls," created a 'theater of inclusion' based on the belief that great art is for everyone.

Épisode 5 - Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road

14 juin 2022

Explore the life and career of the singer, songwriter and co-founder of The Beach Boys. The film traces the legendary performer’s journey of reflection on a drive through Los Angeles with his longtime friend and Rolling Stone editor Jason Fine.

Épisode 6 - Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On

22 novembre 2022

Experience the story of the Oscar-winning Indigenous artist from her rise to prominence in New York’s Greenwich Village folk music scene through her six-decade groundbreaking career as a singer-songwriter, social activist, educator and artist.

Épisode 7 - The Adventures of Saul Bellow

12 décembre 2022

Explore Nobel Prize winner Saul Bellow's impact on American literature and how he navigated through issues of his time, including race, gender and the Jewish immigrant experience. Featuring interviews with Philip Roth, Salman Rushdie and others.

Épisode 8 - Groucho & Cavett

27 décembre 2022

Discover the enduring friendship between television personality Dick Cavett and his mentor iconic comedian Groucho Marx. Their relationship is chronicled through interviews with Cavett, archival footage and interviews with George Burns and others.

Épisode 1 - Roberta Flack

24 janvier 2023

American Masters: Roberta Flack follows the music icon from a piano lounge through her rise to stardom. From “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” to “Killing Me Softly,” Flack’s virtuosity was inseparable from her commitment to civil rights. Detailing her story in her own words, the film features exclusive access to Flack’s archives and interviews with Rev. Jesse Jackson, Peabo Bryson and more.

Épisode 2 - Dr. Tony Fauci

21 mars 2023

Follow Dr. Anthony Fauci as he grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic and his 50-year career as the nation’s leading public health advocate. American Masters: Dr. Tony Fauci reveals a rarely seen side of the physician, husband and father as he confronts political backlash, a new administration and questions of the future.

Épisode 3 - In the Making

24 mars 2023

Follow two performers as they break down barriers in music. Opera singer J’Nai Bridges takes the stage in “A Knee on the Neck,” a choral tribute to George Floyd. Country artist Rissi Palmer redefines success as she works on her latest album, while uplifting other artists of color in the Americana genres.

Épisode 4 - Nam June Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV

16 mai 2023

See the world through the eyes of Nam June Paik, the father of video art and coiner of the term “electronic superhighway.” Born in Japan-occupied Korea, Paik went on to become a pillar of the American avant-garde and transformed modern image-making with his sculptures, films and performances. Experience his creative evolution, as Academy Award nominee Steven Yeun reads from Paik's own writings.

Épisode 5 - Little Richard: King and Queen of Rock 'n' Roll

2 juin 2023

Experience the meteoric rise and enduring legacy of Little Richard. This portrait of the "King and Queen of Rock 'n' Roll" explores his far-reaching influence, including his advocacy for the rights of Black artists in the music industry.

Épisode 6 - Jerry Brown: The Disrupter

15 septembre 2023

Jerry Brown is a man ahead of his time. A natural disrupter, Jerry kickstarted the national debate about climate change and spiraling inequality back in the 1970s. A three-time presidential candidate—who created the blueprint for today's grassroots campaigns—Jerry Brown also achieved the remarkable feat of being elected Governor of California at the very different ages of 36 and 72. For over five decades, Brown has proven his willingness to sacrifice everything—even getting elected—for the causes to which he's devoted. In this candid and emotionally compelling portrait, Brown opens up about his remarkable fifty-year political career, his singular private life, and the lessons learned from a life in the public eye.

Épisode 7 - Floyd Abrams: Speaking Freely

22 septembre 2023

The 50-year career of First Amendment attorney Floyd Abrams, whose landmark cases include the Pentagon Papers and Citizens United.

Épisode 8 - A Song for Cesar

29 septembre 2023

A tribute to Cesar Chavez, the farmworker movement, and the United Farm Workers Union. Through the lens of music, artists explore how Chavez's legacy of peaceful protest, perseverance and artistic inspiration can change the world.

Épisode 9 - Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes

6 octobre 2023

Experience the groundbreaking sounds of bebop pioneer and virtuoso composer Max Roach, whose far-reaching ambitions were inspired and challenged by the inequities of the society around him.

Épisode 10 - Alejandro Jimenez: The Ground I Stand On

4 avril 2023

The Ground I Stand On is a lyrical and meditative documentary short that explores the work and creative process of Alejandro Jimenez, Mexico’s 2021 Slam Poetry champion. See how his life experience as a U.S. immigrant farm worker shape his unique vision of the power of poetry and its connection to a collective past.

Épisode 1 - Hopper: An American Love Story

2 janvier 2024

A deep look into Edward Hopper's art, life, and relationships explores the enigmatic personality behind the brush of an artist whose work has influenced countless painters, photographers, filmmakers, and musicians. See how his marriage to artist Josephine Hopper shaped his art.

Épisode 2 - Moynihan

29 mars 2024

Discover the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator and diplomat Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Going beyond the "Moynihan Report," President Joe Biden, Ta-Nehisi Coates and others reflect on his decades-long fight to end national poverty.

Épisode 3 - The Incomparable Mr. Buckley

5 avril 2024

The intellectual evolution and political legacy of American conservative writer and political commentator William F. Buckley Jr.

Épisode 4 - Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames

27 août 2024

Director Blake Edwards' work spans four decades and has redefined slapstick comedy through a lens that continues to resonate with directors and actors.