*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Leonard Bernstein discusses his career as a composer along with his thoughts on American culture, musical theater, Black music, classical music, and education; music is played throughout the program including songs from Marc Blitzstein's play "The Cradle Will Rock."

Martin Duberman, historian and biographer, discusses his latest work which focuses on the singer, actor, and political activist Paul Robeson. Robeson was known for his performance in Showboat and Emperor Jones.

Otto Friedrich discusses his "Time" magazine piece, his writing, and American history. Songs "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Free America" by Joseph Warren, a German song, an 18th century Boston Tea Party song, and an 18th-century British soldier song have been removed for copyright restrictions.

The Russian-born actress Eugenie Leontovich talks about how she researched books in order to prepare for the role of Anastasia. Madame Leontovich also talks about using the Stanislavski Method when teaching her students about acting and performing. Today's theatre arts in America are very strong, Leontovich commented.

The African American film scholar discusses the history of American musical films, especially during the Depression and into the 1950's.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations