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.

Journalist and writer Tom Wolfe discusses his controversial writings and his time spent as a celebrity figure.

Maxene Andrews reminisces over Andrews Sisters songs with Studs Terkel. She acknowledges the heavy influence the Boswell Sisters played in the creation of their image. She relays musical stories surrounding songs in Abbott and Costello such as "Bugle Boy" from their movie "Buck Privates". How they found the song "Mir Bist Du Schon" and Sammy Cahn and Saul Chaplin helped with the lyrics. How song pluggers brought The Andrews Sisters "Tip-Pi-Tin". How "Apple Blossom Time" helped an injured soldier at Oak Knoll Hospital upon his return to the states.

Terkel comments and presents German Lach und Schiess Gesellschaft (political cabaret). Freilien Margo Schtega is the interpreter for Sammy Drechsel. However, Terkel comments that Sammy understands him 'just fine'.

Terkel comments and presents Chicago comedy revisited. Includes excerpts of Dick Gregory's routine and an interview with him, Mike Nichols, Bob Newhart and Burr Tillstrom.

Presenting "Hard Times: an Oral History of the Great Depression" High Life, Sixteen Ton: Chapter 7. Sally Rand talks about the creation of her signature fan dance and predictions for future depressions. Doc Graham discusses his upbringing, Chicago mobs, and Count Victor Lustig. Tony Soma talks about prohibition before and after the 1929 crash. Jerome Zerbe talks about inventing paparazzi photography, spending two weeks working in a coal mine, and the New Deal. Buddy Blankenship recalls working 16 hour days in West Virginia coal mines. Mary Owsley remembers life as a coal miner's wife.

Presenting "Hard Times: an Oral History of the Great Depression" High Life, Sixteen Ton: Chapter 7. Sally Rand talks about the creation of her signature fan dance and predictions for future depressions. Doc Graham discusses his upbringing, Chicago mobs, and Count Victor Lustig. Tony Soma talks about prohibition before and after the 1929 crash. Jerome Zerbe talks about inventing paparazzi photography, spending 2 weeks working in a coal mine, and the New Deal. Buddy Blankenship recalls working 16 hour days in West Virginia coal mines. Mary Owsley remembers life as a coal miner's wife.

Studs Terkel travels to a Yurt shepherd's farm commune to hear the old song ballad of a Mongolian hero. It concerns a slave uprising from 200 years ago and shows the unity of the Mongolian people. Terkel compares this music to the Hungarian legacy before moving to the School of Story Telling and School of Music and Story Telling in the capital of Inner Mongolia, Hohhot. We are introduced to the four string hu that played Homeric ballads of drinking songs that could last four days.

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.

Comedians Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca talk about their work together. They explore the meaning and emotions behind comedy, improv, and pantomime and how the audience is involved with their shows. Sid recalls several of their skits and does a few examples of his dialects.

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.

Political comedian and reporter Sammy Drechsel and actor Jurgen Scheller discuss Germany and their work. The exchange is aided by interpreter Margot Steeger. Part 2 of 2.

Political comedian and reporter Sammy Drechsel and actor Jurgen Scheller discuss Germany and their work. The exchange is aided by interpreter Margot Steeger. Jurgen Scheller joins the conversation towards the end of this recording. Part 1 of 2.