Robert Vaughn takes time out from his Drury Lane appearance in "Tender Trap" to discuss his new book "Only Victims" with Studs Terkel. The discussion spans the years 1938 when Martin Dies became the first House Committee on Unamerican Activities (HUAC) chairman to Vice President Spiro Agnew's condemnation of the "New York Times" and "Washington Post". Vaughn created the title of his book "Only Victims" from a Dalton Trumbo speech that reflected back on the era of HUAC as being one where there were no heroes, no villains, only victims.

Melvin Douglas and Frank Lovejoy discuss their roles in Gore Vidal's play "The Best Man", politics, and their careers.

Martin Duberman, historian and biographer, discusses his latest work which focuses on the singer, actor, and political activist Paul Robeson. Robeson was known for his performance in Showboat and Emperor Jones.

John Lahr discusses celebrities, the media, and his book "Autograph Hound". Includes Studs Terkel and John Lahr reading from Lahr's book "Autograph Hound".

Jones discusses the play "Othello" where he plays the lead character Othello.

Elliott Reid talks about his career as an American actor. He talks about various that he was part of, with a great focus on satire and political humor.

Discussing the play "A solo song for Doc" by James Allan MacPherson and interviewing cast members of City Lit, Joseph Moore, Chuck Smith and Ernest Perry.

Having been a Lincoln biographer for a quarter of a century, Herbert Mitgang felt the importance of writing the play "Mister Lincoln: A Drama in Two Acts". Lincoln's rich language can be heard through Mr. Mitgang''s dramatic interpretation of Lincoln's life.

Otto Friedrich discusses his "Time" magazine piece, his writing, and American history. Songs "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Free America" by Joseph Warren, a German song, an 18th century Boston Tea Party song, and an 18th-century British soldier song have been removed for copyright restrictions.

Del Close discusses hipsters, what is hip, and comedy. Includes a clip of Del Close and his colleague John Brent from the beatnik satire "How to Speak Hip".

Anna Deavere Smith discusses and demonstrates her unique character portrayals from her works "Fires in the Mirror" and "Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992."