Contrary to what some people believe, Zero Mostel says that being an actor is not that easy of a job. Everything one knows, Mostel explains, becomes apart of who you are. The more one knows, the better his/her work will be.
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.
Readings (3) from Charles Dickens and interviewing with British Actor George Harland.
The American journalist joins Studs to discuss the life of singer, actor, social activist, and lawyer Paul Robeson, as chronicled in her biography, Paul Robeson, All-American.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations
The film, television, and stage actor discusses his one-man show FDR at the Studebaker Theater. Includes clips of President Franklin D. Roosevelt speaking and dramatic readings by Vaughn.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations
Discussing theater with the Irish character actor, whose portrayal of Brendan Behan takes places at the Gill Theater. Includes a clip of theater director Joan Littlewood.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations
The German-American actress and theatre practitioner joins Studs to discuss her best-selling acting textbook, Respect for Acting.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations
Studs presents a tribute to singer, actor, athlete, author and civil rights crusader Paul B. Robeson. Studs talks about his personal memories, the social impact and music of Paul Robeson. Excerpts from 1925362-4-1 Mr Robeson' friends recall memories of him: Earl Dickerson one of the 1 st black aldermen of Chicago, J. Mayo "Ink" Williams football player, Studs Terkel, Claudia Cassidy(1925655-4-1), Eddie Balchowski, Veteran, painter, poet(1934701-3-1) Includes excerpts from 1925362-4-1 and music. Similar to 1925362-3-1, but not identical. 01/23/1976 date of death.
In the play, "The Value of Names," Shelley Berman plays Benny Silverman, a role which he says is him, an actor from the Hollywood black list. Berman said being in Chicago, acting the role and working with the cast has been THE best experience of his life and when the show closes, it will be the saddest day of his life. The director of the play, Sandy Shinner, said she knew of the Hollywood black list but didn't know about all the personal stories. There is an excerpt of Vic Navasky.
Rilla Bergman, Lou Fant, and Bill Reese converse with Studs about The National Theater for the Deaf and the production they are presenting. Two of the actors Ms. Bergman and Mr. Reese discuss what it took to learn, as hearing people, the best ways to express themselves with sign language. They all talk about how much more expressive the actors in the Deaf Theater have to be to convey the message of the piece they are presenting.
Actor Robert Morley discusses his career and autobiography, "Robert Morley: A Reluctant Autobiography;" part 2.
Actor Robert Morley discusses his career and autobiography, "Robert Morley: A Reluctant Autobiography;" part 1.