Chicago playwright and actress Cindy Caponera discusses and acts out portions of her one-woman show "Against the Grain." Caponera’s show features three soliloquies delivered by different family members of a Chicago fireman in which themes of masculinity, labor rights, and family dynamics are explored. Studs plays "Ace in the Hole" - Johnny Mathis (1961).

An interview with Chester Morris about his role in "Advise and Consent." They discuss theater and stage life for actors. Morris mentions numerous actors and actresses and stage productions. He discusses the business, status, and economics of acting.

Charles Dance, English actor, talks about his work in the British TV show "The Jewel in the Crown," based on the novel series, "The Raj Quartet," by Paul Scott. Dance also discusses his work on the play, "Thunder Rock" and film, "Plenty," and the TV shows, "The Secret Servant," and "Rainy Day Women."

Joe Mantegna, Meshach Taylor, Mike Sod, Dennis Franz and Bryan Hickey, all cast members of the "Wonderful Ice Cream Suit," reenact scenes from the play. Joe Mantegna also explains that the guys pitch in to buy the suit. Once they wear the suit, magical things happen to each one of them. .

James O'Reilly, Frank Galati and Pauline Brailsford talk about their roles in "The Dresser". Although they've all been performing the play for the last six weeks, they all agree they thoroughly enjoy acting in their roles night after night. The cast members reenact a number of passages within this interview.

In this interview Carol Channing discusses her work as artist: comedic timing; live/club performing; her connection with the audience as a performer; theater as a "spiritual world"; the concept of "opening nights"; creation of Mehitabel's (alley cat) voice; "Lorelei", and her ability deliver comedic characterizations and impersonations (such as Marlene Dietrich, Sophie Tucker, and Cecilia Sisson). Included in this interview are excerpts from the "Little Girl from Little Rock", "Madeline and Other Bemelmans", "Shinbone Alley".

This interview features singer and actress Carol Channing which discusses: the film "Shinbone Alley"; production of "Lorelei"; her grandmother; and her career. It begins with a musical excerpt from the animated movie "Shinbone Alley" featuring Channing singing as the alley cat Mehitabel. It also includes excerpts from the Broadway production called "Lorelei", examples of her character acting/comedy (as Cecilia Sisson), her reading of "Madeline and other Bemelmans", and a portion of the song "So Long Dearie" from the play "Hello, Dolly!".

Carol Channing discusses the following with Studs Terkel: her early career; her growth as actor/comedian; her approach to her work; her performance in "Lorelei" as Lorelei; her performance in "Wonderful Town" as Ruth; the job of the understudy; and breaking performance barriers and type casting.

Carlotta Monti discusses W.C. Fields and her book "W.C. Fields & Me".

Silent film pioneer Buster Keaton discusses his career following the release of "When Comedy Was King," a compilation of some classic shorts by Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, and others. Keaton reveals how they shot the early silent films, generated material and gags, how they planned big chase scenes, the resurging European interest in silent classics, and more. Studs asks Keaton about the stylistic differences between him and Chaplin, whether he would recreate silent films, and how they compare to today's film-making.

Burl Ives, actor and singer, discusses his life including childhood, schooling, early career, married life and some of his most popular songs. Ives also talks about his books and writing.

Burl Ives was born in Jasper County, IL and he attended Eastern Illinois State Teachers College. While in college, he played some football and then he wanted to become a football coach. Ives spent time in Terre Haute, IN, where he played records and sang songs on the radio. To be a great singer, Ives said he knew he had to add dramatization to certain songs.

Terkel comments and presents a musical performance by the Buffalo Ensemble Theatre