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.

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.

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.

Dick Gregory satirizes capital punishment in the United States, calls for the churches to take action, and talks about potential actions from "demonstrators." Other panel members answer audience questions (Father James Jones, Norval Morris, Hans W. Mattick, and Arthur Wineberg). Hosted by the University of Chicago. (Part 3 of 3)

A panel at University of Chicago Law School discuss ending capital punishment (tapes A and B) and with Dick Gregory (tape C). Includes presentations by Father James G. Jones and Norval Morris. (Part 2 of 3)

Mort Sahl discusses comedy, social satire, and politics. Sahl discusses the topics of Communism, Fascism, the Kennedy assassination, and show business.

Marcel Marceau, a French mime, discusses the art behind mime including silence, humanity, and astonishment. Parts of an earlier interview with Marceau are also played.

Marcel Marceau, world renown mine, discusses the art and history of pantomime. Marceau talks about mime throughout history from Ancient Rome to the 20th century. He discusses some well-known mimes such as Pierrot and Charlie Chaplin. From aging, to humor and tragedy, and different cultures, Marceau explores about how the art of mime affects and reflects society. They also discuss how Marceau created and plays Bip and how the audience interacts with his character.

Joyce Grenfell discusses her career (and includes portion of interview with Clancy Sigal, which starts around 39:08).

The comedic creative force of Lily Tomlin and comedy writer Jane Wagner discuss the character of Edith Ann as well as the bag lady, Trudy, upon the release of their book "Edith Ann: My Life So Far".* Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations. 

Del Close discusses hipsters, what is hip, and comedy. Includes a clip of Del Close and his colleague John Brent from the beatnik satire "How to Speak Hip".

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".