Studs Terkel talks with theater producer Herman Shumlin about Shumlin’s work in theater and some of the plays he has produced. Audio clips from the play “The Little Foxes” and the opera “Regina” are played. This is the first part of the interview with Shumlin.

Herbert Blau’s KRAKEN experimental group performed, “The Donner Party, Its Crossing,” at the at the Body Politic Theatre. Blau shares his thoughts on the theatre and his approach to theatre. Blau believed there was always a story to be told, and that an audience would only understand the true story of people’s hardships by telling and re-telling a story over and over again. The program also includes an excerpt of a George Keithly interview at 5:40 to 7:40.

Henry Fonda and John Houseman talk about working with one another on "Clarence Darrow: A One-Man Play". Houseman is in awe of Fonda's portrayal of Clarence Darrow, explaining that in the play, the audience can really see the growth of Clarence Darrow, from a young lawyer to an experienced, wise one. Fonda talks about the opening scene when Darrow recalls his father talking to him when he was a young boy. Fonda reflects on times when his father talked to him. Fonda recalls being taught not to hate individuals.

Austrian actress Helene Thimig-Reinhardt discusses her origins and reflects on a long acting career. As the widow of Max Reinhardt, much of the discussion touches on his work as a theater director, film director, and impresario. 00:50:30- 00:52:29 "Ich Muss Wieder Einmal in Grinzing Sein" by Lotte Lehmann

Discussing the book, "Students Without Teachers: The Crisis in the University," and interviewing its author, Dr. Harold Taylor (2 parts). Dr. Taylor is an educator.

Discussing the book, "Students Without Teachers: The Crisis in the University," and interviewing its author, Dr. Harold Taylor (2 parts). Dr. Taylor is an educator.

Being both a theatre critic and a theatre director prompted Harold Clurman to write his book, "The Fervent Years: The Group Theatre and the 30's". Clurman hopes that with every play a viewer sees, he or she then takes that material and ponders the message. Clurman explained that plays were a way to communicate truth about life.

Discussing the book "Shannon" with the author Gordon Parks.

Geoffrey Bridson and his wife Joyce, discuss his book "Prospero and Ariel: The rise and fall of radio a personal recollection.", as well as his life and career as a producer/broadcaster for BBC radio. The interview is interspersed with several excerpts from recordings: Excerpt of conversation at the home of Bridsons in England 1962. He talks about the play "Aarons field" and the sequel "Aarons Fallout shelter". Excerpt from Joyce Bridson backstage after the play "Oh what a lovely war" in New York.

Recorded live on Chicago's South Side. Robeson is ill at the time of recording. Speakers: Earl Dickerson, Etta Moten Barnett, Judge Sidney Jones, J. Mayo "Ink" Williams, Joan Brown (possibly Abena Joan Brown), Charles Hamilton, Margaret Burroughs, [John Gray's sister], [Stevens?]

Independent film director, writer, and producer Gary W. DeWalt discusses the film “Genbaku-Shi: Killed by the Atomic Bomb” and the U.S. citizens who died along with the Japanese in Hiroshima. Corky Siegel performs "Southwest Coast Blues (1980)" in the studio.

Garson Kanin discusses his book "Hollywood: Stars and Starlets, Tycoons, Moviemakers, Frauds, Hopefuls, Great Lovers", published in 1967.

Discussing the book "WLT, A Radio Romance," (published by Viking) with the author and radio host Garrison Keillor. Program also includes excerpts of a 1985 interview.

Filmmaker Jacques Tati and Studs discuss finding the humor in everyday life and people becoming their gadgets. The two also go in-depth about Tati's film "Mon Oncle" and the development of the character Monsieur Hulot.

Discussing public welfare and interviewing Frederick Wiseman, director of the documentary film, "Welfare."