When Cliff Norton performed his first live gig, he tried out his comedy on the band. Norton credits having good performances because of being given good material, funny material. Norton further explained that being an entertainer, one always has to be writing in order to maintain their creative edge.

Studs interviews Christopher Durang, playwright, about his plays. "A History of the American Film" is the highlight of the interview, which is playing at the Heron Theater in Chicago. Durang describes parts of the play and it's characters. He explains that it portrays the different eras and famous moments of movies and references real actors and actresses. Durang reads several times from the play, but all musical numbers are removed from this edited version of the original recording.

Charlie Hill talks about his comedy career, the portrayal and stereotypes of Native American Indians, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

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".

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".

Interviewing author Candy Armstrong-Jones about her book “Village of Vice.”

Interviewing author and copywriter Candy Armstrong-Jones about her book “Village of Vice.” She discusses her writing techniques and shares themes from her book.

Studs Terkel plays Wagner’s “Liebestod” to introduce his guest, author Candy Armstrong-Jones. The two discuss her second book, “City of Sin,” a romance about a couple who work at a Chicago newspaper. Despite negative reviews for being pornographic, Armstrong Jones says she is celebrity now, which makes her “swinging” complicated. She asks Terkel if he ever swings several times, to which Terkel replies that he is married.

Writer Calvin Trillin talks about his book “Third Helpings” and different regional foods and the ethnicities that influence them. Both Studs Terkel and Calvin Trillin read excerpts from Trillin’s book, and a soundbite from the former Commissioner of Immigration, Leonel Castillo, is played.

Author, humorist, and poet Calvin Trillin discusses and reads from his book “Enough’s Enough (and Other Rules of Life),” a collection of humorous essays about everyday topics, from social to political. Studs and Trillin discuss why we get cold fronts from Canada, not Greenland; and how to spot a moderate out in public. Studs plays "Out of My Road, Mr. Toad" - Bud Freeman (1970).

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.

Brick Top discusses her career, her colleagues, and the jazz scene.

Comedian and actor Bob Newhart discusses his career and his life before becoming a comedian; excerpt from his stand-up performance is played.