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Willard Van Dyke, cinematographer and co-director of documentaries like "The City" and "The River," talks about 20th century American history and how it effected the arts. Using his documentaries and other artists' work, he explores how the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War changed American art and culture. He discusses Public Works of Art, war propaganda, and McCarthyism and their challenges for artists. Near the end of this interview, Van Dyke discusses the changes in modern still photography and documentaries as Americans forget history.
Studs interview with Virgil Thomson about his career as a music composer. Thomson shares his work with Gertrude Stein in operas "Mother of Us All" and "Four Saints In Three Acts." He discusses his preference for black artists. Thomson describes his work in documentary films such as "Plow That Broke the Plains." He also shares information about the cajun music "Squeeze Box" in the film "Louisiana Story." This edited version does not include the music pieces.
Presenting "Hard Times: An Oral History of the Great Depression" Chapter 3: Big Business & A Portrait of Two Women. William Benton credits Pepsodent's survival of the Great Depression to Amos 'n Andy. Arthur Robertson talks about the initial aftermath of the 1929 crash as a Wall Street businessman. Sidney Weinberg discusses the confusion on Wall Street after the crash and praises FDR's programs. Jimmy McPartland talks about the importance of working and the success of WPA to boost morale.
Studs Terkel discusses life in the Vietnam era with children from Father Charles Pond's St. Timothy Episcopal Church Parish in Chicago. Rose is the featured speaker at 16 years of age she is no longer in school but is very well spoken. Acknowledging that people with mental illnesses are not always able to make sound decisions which are needed for individuals to make group decisions. She sees one of the problems in the world being that people are losing their individuality to a group mentality.
Studs Terkel presents a program in honor of the birthday of abolitionist and African American leader Frederick Douglass, including excepts from Terkel's 1964 interview with African-American scholar, author and social historian Lerone Bennett. Terkel reads at length from Douglass' autobiography, "My Bondage and My Freedom," focusing on Douglass' interactions with slave owners Hugh and Sophia Auld.
The influence of the WPA on the music of the 1930's. The heroic sounds heard in song, movies, and theater. He provides Bing Crosby's version of Yip Harburg's "Brother Can You Spare a Dime". As well as the Almanac Singers performing "Roll the Union On". Both Moll's Song and the final scene of Blitzstein's, "The Cradle Will Rock" are performed. Terkel provides a host of other songs which highlight the music of the 1930's. Extensive discussion on "The Cradle Will Rock" with its producer John Houseman.
Studs Terkel presents The Cradle Will Rock, a 1937 musical play. Includes interview with Marc Blitzstein and Hiram Sherman talking about the challenges of presenting for the first time.
Studs presents a tribute to singer, actor, athlete, author and civil rights crusader Paul B. Robeson. Studs talks about his personal memories, the social impact and music of Paul Robeson. Excerpts from 1925362-4-1 Mr Robeson' friends recall memories of him: Earl Dickerson one of the 1 st black aldermen of Chicago, J. Mayo "Ink" Williams football player, Studs Terkel, Claudia Cassidy(1925655-4-1), Eddie Balchowski, Veteran, painter, poet(1934701-3-1) Includes excerpts from 1925362-4-1 and music. Similar to 1925362-3-1, but not identical. 01/23/1976 date of death.
Sandra Lieb discusses the book "Mother of the Blues: A Study of Ma Rainey." Includes songs sung by Ma Rainey such as "Runaway Blues," "See See Rider," "Moonshine Blues," and "Oh, Papa Blues." Includes poem "Ma Rainey" by Sterling Brown. Includes "Oh, Daddy," by Ethel Waters. Includes "Young Woman's Blues" by Bessie Smith.
Ralph Ellison, winner of the National Book Award for Fiction for his book "Invisible Man," discusses his early life and education and his life as a writer and lifetime scholar. He speaks on being a musician (trumpet), the joy of music and the Church and how they fit into the lives of African Americans.
Terkel comments and presents music with Mark Ludwig
Live musical performance by Smokey Stewart and Jaye Stevens
Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey and Mary Travers talk with Studs about the forming of the Folk singing group Peter, Paul and Mary and their first year together. They perform their music throughout the interview. Song: "The Shape of Things to Come," Winn, John--ends: 00:08:42 Begins 00:08:50 (recording change).
Content Warning: This conversation includes racially and/or culturally derogatory language and/or negative depictions of Black and Indigenous people of color, women, and LGBTQI+ individuals. Rather than remove this content, we present it in the context of twentieth-century social history to acknowledge and learn from its impact and to inspire awareness and discussion. Muhammad Ali discusses his book "The Greatest: My Own Story," touching on topics including his childhood and family, conversion to Islam, stance on the Vietnam War, and experiences in jail.