Bahamian actor Sidney Poitier talks with Studs Terkel about his most recent film "The Defiant Ones" and how racial type-casting for typically white roles works in Hollywood films. Besides being an actor, he is also a film director, author, and diplomat.

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!".

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.

Carlotta Monti discusses W.C. Fields and her book "W.C. Fields & Me".

In this interview Mel Brooks discusses his new movie "The Producers". The following is discussed: the plot; the other actors in the film; the satirical and campy nature of the film; . Brooks performs several different impersonations throughout the interview.

Actor and director Sam Wanamaker died in December of 1993. In an interview in 1980, he discussed his love of Shakespeare's plays. Wanamaker's mission in life was to recreate, reconstruct and revive The Globe Theatre as it was in Shakespeare's days.

Anna Deavere Smith discusses and demonstrates her unique character portrayals from her works "Fires in the Mirror" and "Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992."