Studs Terkel discusses literature, Judaism, and the Holocaust with the novelist, poet, journalist, and teacher Richard M. Elman (1934-1997). Their discussion revolves around Elman's recently published work of historical fiction, "The 28th Day of Elul", much of which takes place in the village of Clig, Hungary, during the time of the Nazi occupation of Hungary during World War II. Topics include Jewish identity, The Holocaust, persecution of The Jews, feelings of guilt and social prejudice among Holocaust survivors.

In making this film, Lanzmann interviewed death-camp survivors and Nazi functionaries.

Terkel comments and presents music with Mark Ludwig

Muriel Gardiner's background and her time spent in Austria are the topics of "Code Name 'Mary': Memoirs of an American Woman in the Austrian Underground". With her book, "The Deadly Innocents: Portraits of Children Who Kill," Gardiner studies the lives of 10 kids who kill or attempt to kill.

"War Times"

Discussing the book "Doing Battle: The Making of a Skeptic" (published by Little Brown) with author Paul Fussell.

Henry Steele Commager discusses America, American history, and American relations. He also discusses television, historical figures, and wars. (Recorded at the Orrington Hotel in Evanston, Ill.).