Woody Allen discusses his life and art, the influence of both success and failure on his work, and how he finds comedy in life’s difficulties and trials. He discusses his first screenplay, “What’s Up Pussycat?” and other comedians who have influenced the development of his own comedic work, including Mort Sahl, Charlie Chaplin, the Marx Brothers, and George S. Kaufman.

While performing some of their original material, comedians Vic Greco and Fred Willard talk about how they come up with their ideas for their shows. Always the entertainers, and while talking over one another, Greco and Willard explain that most of what they do on stage is improvisation.

Sam Levenson discusses comedy and talks about his family life. He talks about the social push to get the children "off the corner" and how the roles in a traditional family have changed.

Author, comedian and satirist Paul Krassner joins Studs Terkel in a “mosaic” of an interview, as Krassner calls it, to discuss his book, “Confessions of a Raving, Unconfined Nut: Misadventures in the Counter-Culture.” The conversation begins with two clips from Abbie Hoffman and Lenny Bruce, friends of Krassner’s and fellow key figures in the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Krassner speaks on his friends’ legacies, and then begins telling his story, reading a passage from his book about when he first started questioning society.

Mort Sahl the comedian discusses comedy, social satire, and humorists. He discusses the difference between sick humor and social commentary. He discusses politics in America. Includes a speech by humorist Will Rogers towards the end of the program.

Jackie "Moms" Mabley talks about her life and career as a comedian. She speaks about how comedy/humor has changed and how some have become thieves of material. Copyrighted material has been removed from this program.

Jackie "Moms" Mabley talks about her life and career as a comedian. She speaks fondly of her hometown and of her childhood and family. Copyrighted material has been removed from this program.