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.

Terkel comments and presents Chicago comedy revisited. Includes excerpts of Dick Gregory's routine and an interview with him, Mike Nichols, Bob Newhart and Burr Tillstrom.

The American actress and comedian gives some insight into how she develops her vivid characters, and how her colleagues help bring them to the stage and screen. Four of Tomlin's comic pieces are included in the interview.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The biographer discusses the early life of comedian Groucho Marx, his stage career, his brothers, and their mother/manager, all further described in the book, Hello, I Must be Going: Groucho & His Friends.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Comedians Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca talk about their work together. They explore the meaning and emotions behind comedy, improv, and pantomime and how the audience is involved with their shows. Sid recalls several of their skits and does a few examples of his dialects.

Political comedian and reporter Sammy Drechsel and actor Jurgen Scheller discuss Germany and their work. The exchange is aided by interpreter Margot Steeger. Part 2 of 2.

Political comedian and reporter Sammy Drechsel and actor Jurgen Scheller discuss Germany and their work. The exchange is aided by interpreter Margot Steeger. Jurgen Scheller joins the conversation towards the end of this recording. Part 1 of 2.

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.

Discussing the book "Doing it with style" with the authors Donald Carroll and Quentin Crisp.

Peter Cook and Dudley Moore talk about acting, comedy and their show "Good Evening," a two man sketch comedy show. .

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.

Reflections on the career of actor, drama teacher, WFMT announcer, and former member of The Compass Players.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations

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.