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.

Discussing the films "The People vs. Paul Crump", "To Live and Die in Los Angeles," and "The French Connection," with director and screenwriter William Friedkin.

William Ball discusses the American Conservatory Theater in Pittsburg, PA. They discuss in great detail how different the company is. Specifically that they keep themselves learning and perfecting the classic style. Dick Christiansen theater and film critic joins the conversation.

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.

Experimental filmmaker and poet Willard Maas and his friend John Dubay discuss experimental films and filmmaking, part 2 of 2. John Dubay is featured predominantly in this part of the interview. The second part of the interview focuses less on filmmaking and more on societal ills, wealth inequality, and race relations.

Experimental filmmaker and poet Willard Maas and his friend John Dubay discuss experimental films and filmmaking, part 1 of 2. His friend John Dubay speaks briefly in part 1 of the interview, but is more prominently featured in part 2.

Actor, director, and author Vincent Dowling performs scenes and roles from his repertoire. He discusses his previous plays and touches on what influenced his career in acting and directing.

Discussing the book "The Experts Speak: The Definitive Compendium of Authoritative Misinformation" (published by Pantheon) with the authors, music and television producer Christopher Cerf and "The Nation" editor Victor Navasky.

Terkel comments and presents a performance of "Henry IV."

Promoting a production of "The Zoo: A Musical Folly," with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Chicago's Executive Producer Gretchen Potts and Artistic Director Carl Forsberg.

The African American writer, composer, film director, and photographer - described by Studs as a quadruple threat - joins the program to discuss his wide-ranging career and most recent film - Leadbelly - about the blues singer Huddie Ledbetter (AKA Lead Belly).*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The director and actor discuss their interpretation of O'Neill's Hughie, presented by the Academy Festival Theatre in Lake Forest. Program includes clips of Robards' performance.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The British playwright discusses his nine-hour adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel Nicholas Nickleby, at Chicago's Blackstone Theatre.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations