Tag Archives: American Masters

Remembering Norman Lear (1922-2023)

“My family is the greatest joy in my life,” says 93-year-old Norman Lear at the close of Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You, the 2016 documentary profile of the trailblazing TV writer/producer filmed for American Masters by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady. … Continue reading

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Rita Moreno Just a Girl Who Decided To Go for It Debuts on PBS

“I always wanted to be a movie star.”–Rita Moreno. Rita Moreno’s dreams of movie stardom did come true, and then some. A boatload of prestigious awards and honors continues to replenish her trophy shelf and cap her amazing 70-year career, … Continue reading

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Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes Feeling Heart Debuts on PBS

“We had her voice for as long as we really needed it, if we were wise enough to listen.” Actress/activist Ruby Dee makes that startlingly prophetic statement (Dee died in June 2014) about her lifelong friend and colleague at the … Continue reading

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Edgar Allan Poe: Buried Alive Debuts on American Masters

“Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing, Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortals ever dared to dream before”… from The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849). All Hallows’ Eve will soon be upon us, so what better time … Continue reading

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Dorothea Lange: Grab a Hunk of Lightning Rebroadcast on PBS

As we nervously anticipate the Federal cuts in funding for women’s and low-income services, health care, the arts, public TV production and programming, I salute tonight’s timely PBS rebroadcast of Dorothea Lange: Grab a Hunk of Lightning.  This powerful documentary debuted on … Continue reading

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Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise Debuts on PBS

I think it would be virtually impossible to make a lackluster film about writer, singer, dancer, actress, poet, director and social activist Maya Angelou. An electrifying presence in every medium she mastered, Dr. Angelou passed away in 2014. She was revered especially in … Continue reading

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By Sidney Lumet Launches New Season of American Masters

“I’m not directing the moral message, I’m directing that piece and those people, says esteemed film and TV director Sidney Lumet in American Masters: By Sidney Lumet. “If I do it well, the moral message will come through.” Lumet died in 2011; but, … Continue reading

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The Highwaymen Were Friends Till the End

“They had a ball together,” recalls producer/director Jim Brown about the legendary subjects of his latest film. If you’re a fan of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings or Kris Kristofferson, you might want to kick back and spend an hour watching … Continue reading

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Mike Nichols Launches American Masters 30th Anniversary Season

It would be difficult for any filmmaker, no matter how seasoned, to encapsulate the life story and creative accomplishments of someone as prolific and beloved as director, writer, comedian, actor, producer Mike Nichols (1931-2014) in a 60-minute documentary. I’m sure that Nichols’ friends and … Continue reading

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Pedro E. Guerrero: A Photographer’s Journey Debuts on American Masters

Before Mexican-American photographer Pedro E. Guerrero died in September 2012 at age 95, he agreed to be filmed by filmmakers Raymond Telles and Yvan Iturriaga. Their hour-long film profile, incorporating Guerrero’s gracious commentary, American Masters–Pedro E. Guerrero:  A Photographer’s Journey, finally debuts on … Continue reading

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