Presenting "Hard Times: An Oral History of the Great Depression" Chapter 3: Big Business & A Portrait of Two Women. William Benton credits Pepsodent's survival of the Great Depression to Amos 'n Andy. Arthur Robertson talks about the initial aftermath of the 1929 crash as a Wall Street businessman. Sidney Weinberg discusses the confusion on Wall Street after the crash and praises FDR's programs. Jimmy McPartland talks about the importance of working and the success of WPA to boost morale.

Studs Terkel discusses life in the Vietnam era with children from Father Charles Pond's St. Timothy Episcopal Church Parish in Chicago. Rose is the featured speaker at 16 years of age she is no longer in school but is very well spoken. Acknowledging that people with mental illnesses are not always able to make sound decisions which are needed for individuals to make group decisions. She sees one of the problems in the world being that people are losing their individuality to a group mentality.

Shel Silverstein discusses his books and children's literature, and art. Shel Silverstein discusses his contemporaries, art, and life experiences.

Terkel presents a musical performance of the Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus

Terkel presents a musical performance of the Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus

Danilo Dolci discusses his life in Italy, his book "The Man Who Plays Alone", architecture, agriculture, social activism, his inspirations, and his career. Tom Cornell translates for Danilo Dolci. Includes at the end of the program an Italian song by Jerre Mangione and an Italian song called "Bella Ciao".

Oliver Knussen discusses his adaptation of "Where the Wild Things Are", which was beginning production at the Chicago Opera Theater, Chicago.

Discussing the book "Manchild in the Promised Land" with Claude Brown. Brown also discusses growing up in Harlem, New York as an African American man. Includes a clip of a man speaking from the county jail. Includes a song sung by Mahalia Jackson. Includes a clip of children singing.

Studs Terkel discusses the Chicago Children's Choir with the director and founder, Christopher Moore. They discuss the following: how to produce the sound; training units; patience; age spread; sing-a-long; child vs. adult projects; and various types of heritage music that makes up their repertoire. The following musical excerpts are presented: "Dark Winter Days"; "Angels and Shepherds"; "Illinois"; and "Go Tell It on the Mountain".