Having seen a one-man puppet show at a young age, creator and puppeteer Burr Tillstrom knew that's what he wanted to do. Kukla was the first puppet Tillstrom created. Kukla was Tillstrom's right-hand man, as Tillstrom always and only used his right hand to make Kukla come alive.

Puppeteer Burr Tillstrom plays several different characters as he discusses his upcoming TV special for Easter Sunday on NBC with Studs Terkel. A recording of the song “The Cuckoo” is played.

Burr Tillstrom discusses his career, his collaborators, and the characters on his show, as well as his love for the city of Chicago.* Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations.

The puppeteer and creator of the Kukla, Fran, and Ollie television show talks about his new book, The Dragon Who Lived Downstairs. He also offers some dramatic readings in the voices of some of the book's characters.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

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.

Terkel presents an Easter program. Songs include "Lord of the Dance/Simple Gifts" sung by Bill Crofut and Benjamin Luxon; "Plenty Good Room" sung by Roland Hayes; "Vidé" a carnival song of Martinique; "Wondrous Love" sung by Ed McCurdy; "The Cuckoo" sung by Burr Tillstrom as Kukla; "The Cuckoo's Nest" sung by Jimmy MacBeath; "The Cuckoo" sung by Jean Ritchie; "Gloria," Malaga Flemenco song; "Old Blind Barnabus" sung by Golden Gate Quartet; and Bach's "St.

William Ball discusses the American Conservatory Theater in Pittsburg, PA. They discuss in great detail how different the company is. Specifically that they keep themselves learning and perfecting the classic style. Dick Christiansen theater and film critic joins the conversation.