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.

Where as the Japanese inherited jobs that the Chinese had, the Japanese also inherited many of the prejudices. William Hosukawa and Robert Wilson's book, "East to America: A History of the Japanese in America" also covers the internment of Japanese Americans. Hosukawa said it's important to understand that we're all immigrants of sorts and that the Japanese have made a contribution to the greatness of this country.

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.

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.

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.

Erich Lüth discusses his experiences, observations, and accounts of life in Hamburg, Germany during the rise and fall of Hitler. He recounts how as a member of Parliament he brought in Hitler's, "Mein Kampf" and read portions aloud and was laughed at by his colleagues. He states they were blind to what Hitler declared in his book he would do and some are still blind by wanting to rub out their past, their history.

Studs Terkel heads to the British town of Stratford-upon-Avon (the birthplace of William Shakespeare) intending to interview Sir John Gielgud, and getting a few words before Studs realizes that Sir John is not intending to be interviewed. He speaks instead to other members of the company. Then he meets Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence in the Falcon Hotel.

Vlado Habunek, the Director of The Croatian National Theater, also a teacher at the University of Zagreb and board member for the Debrovnik Summer Festival discusses how all arts are seeking new revelations with Studs Terkel. Terkel asks Habunek to compare American Actors with Croatian actors because they are subsidized by the state. He sees Croatian actors as too secure and admires the ambition of American actors. The fact that theater reflects life and life is difficult begins a discussion on the status of theater today.

Studs Terkel reintroduces this 1958 broadcast with Jacques Tati in a 1992 rebroadcast. At 39:06, Terkel includes a musical epilogue to the conversation with Jacques Tati with French children's songs such as "Cadet Rousselle". Tati discusses his films "Mr. Hulot's Holiday" and" Mon Oncle" and his emphasis as writer, director, actor, and producer to maintain a naturalness. He doesn't want lights, cameras or action to influence the actors. Naturalness will respect independence and keeping it simple and real will create pride and invite people in.