Seasons & episodes

S3 · E2A Duke Named Ellington 1988-07-18 · 90 min＋

Detailed biography of the renowned jazz performer/conductor Duke Ellington and his band, including his easy-going grace and sophistication.

S3 · E3Andre Kertesz of the Cities 1988-08-08 · 90 min＋

A retrospective of the urban photography of Andre Kertesz, told by tracking him in the final years before his death.

S3 · E4Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul 1988-08-22 · 90 min＋

Franklin's life - from gospel to Grammy Awards.

S3 · E5Rivera in America 1988-08-29 · 90 min＋

The murals and politics of the famed Mexican artist Diego Rivera.

S3 · E6Saint-Gaudens: Masque of the Golden Bowl 1988-09-05 · 90 min＋

A dramatic recreation of the work and career of a renowned sculptor, Augustus Saint-Gaudens

S3 · E7Neil Simon: Not Just for Laughs 1989-03-08 · 90 min＋

The whimsical work of the beloved playwright.

S3 · E8Broadway's Dreamers: The Legacy of the Group Theatre 1989-06-26 · 90 min＋

The story of "method" acting.

The life of the renowned Broadway director and arts critic, as well as co-founder of New York's Group Theatre.

A retrospective on the career of one of America's finest teachers of acting technique.

S4 · E3Satchmo: The Life of Louis Armstrong 1989-07-31 · 90 min＋

The evolution and extraordinary musical creations of the nation's best-known jazz musician.

S4 · E4James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket 1989-08-14 · 90 min＋

The noted author, his battles against racism, and its expression in his books.

S4 · E5Celebrating Bird: The Triumph of Charlie Parker 1989-08-17 · 90 min＋

A biographical documentary on the short-lived career of brilliant jazz musician Charlie Parker. Features his only television appearance and rare concert footage. Includes cameos by such greats as Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonius Monk, and Charles Mingus.

S4 · E6Jasper Johns: Ideas in Paint 1989-09-11 · 90 min＋

The mind of a famed neo-abstractionist painter as it expresses itself on canvas.

S4 · E7Mort Sahl: The Loyal Opposition 1989-09-18 · 90 min＋

The biting comedic satire of Mort Sahl and his rise to prominence in the 1960s.

S4 · E8W. Eugene Smith: Photography Made Difficult 1989-09-25 · 90 min＋

The work of the provacative photographer for Life magazine.

S4 · E9Harold Lloyd: The Third Genius 1989-11-15 · 90 min＋

Profile of the comedy standout from the silent era who is often mentioned third behind Chaplin and Keaton.

S4 · E10Milos Forman: Portrait 1989-12-20 · 90 min＋

The movies of the Academy Award-winning motion picture maker.

S5 · E1Preston Sturges: The Rise and Fall of an American Dreamer 1990-07-02 · 90 min＋

The life of the famous director and scriptwriter, from his writings for the stage to his Hollywood acclaim.

A documentary that follows the varied career of the noted film director.

S5 · E3Martin Scorsese Directs 1990-07-16 · 90 min＋

Interviews and film clips document the hard-hitting film work of Scorsese.

S5 · E4You're the Top: The Cole Porter Story 1990-07-23 · 90 min＋

The career of Porter as seen through filmed versions of his work and commentary from performance stars.

S5 · E5Edward R. Murrow: This Reporter 1990-07-30 · 90 min＋

The fascinating life of the model for the "hard-boiled" radio and television journalist.

S5 · E6John Hammond: From Bessie Smith to Bruce Springsteen 1990-08-20 · 90 min＋

A documentary on the 50 year career of a legendary producer of recording artists and musicians.

The work of an acting coach and instructor who had a profound impact on the American stage.