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.

Co-founder of the bookstore City Lights Booksellers & Publishers, poet and social activist Lawrence Ferlinghetti discusses his latest work which reflects on his youth and travels to Europe. Ferlinghetti recites pieces from his current work on the topics of Spain, France, and Italy. The poet also reflects on his previous work and his view on the Beat Generation.