The politics and writings of the noted 20th century woman.

The Lives of Lillian Hellman

The evolution of the novelist and his impact on other artists and American culture.

Unanswered Prayers: The Life and Times of Truman Capote

The incredible career of Lucille Ball, from youth through the movies, from television star to media mogul. Some of the personalities that comment in this film include Fran Drescher, Van Johnson, Dick Martin, Edie Adams, and Carol Burnett. This episode won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Non-Fiction Program.

Lucille Ball: Finding Lucy

A retrospective on the life and work of George Balanchine, a founder of American ballet.

Balanchine

The journey and legacy of five-time Olympic medalist Duke Kahanamoku, who broke swimming records and popularized modern-day surfing while overcoming racism.

Waterman – Duke: Ambassador of Aloha

A profile of an author as mysterious as some of his well-known detective stories.

Dashiell Hammett: Detective, Writer

Walter Cronkite was the man who gave us the news for two tumultuous decades in the late 20th century. As historian, journalist and author David Halberstam says in praise of the great CBS newsman: "Most Americans really learned of the evening news and learned of Vietnam and learned of the civil rights movement and learned of Watergate with Walter Cronkite as the man who ushered it into their homes. And did it with great professionalism over a very long time and was I think absolutely true to himself." In AMERICAN MASTERS Walter Cronkite: Witness to History, a documentary narrated by Katie Couric, historians, fellow journalists and CBS colleagues appraise the career of the man who was called "the most trusted man in America." CBS writer and commentator Andy Rooney, legendary producer/director Don Hewitt, correspondents Mike Wallace, Morley Safer, Lesley Stahl and Barbara Walters, columnists Molly Ivins and Helen Thomas, Senator John McCain and President Jimmy Carter guide the viewer from Cronkite's early days as a foreign correspondent in World War II through his thirty-year career at CBS News.

Walter Cronkite: Witness to History

Discover how celebrated writer Marcella Hazan shaped Italian cuisine in America. After immigrating to New York in the 1950s, she began making authentic dishes from her Italian roots and inspired millions of Americans with her cookbooks.

Marcella

An ode to the work of the African American theater group founded in the late 60s and its impact on the performing arts.

The Negro Ensemble Company

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

John Hammond: From Bessie Smith to Bruce Springsteen

A journey through the poetry and music of Bob Dylan.

Bob Dylan: No Direction Home (1)

The career of funny woman Carol Burnett, from Broadway to television stardom.

Carol Burnett: A Woman of Character

Explore the remarkable life and legacy of late feminist author Ursula K. Le Guin whose groundbreaking work, including “The Left Hand of Darkness,” transformed American literature by bringing science fiction into the literary mainstream.

Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin

The life and career of author Amy Tan, with archival imagery, home movies, photographs, animation and original interviews.

Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir

Discover the life of singer-songwriter Janis Ian and how she rose as a folk icon and gay rights advocate. She broke ground with “Society’s Child” (1966), a bold take on interracial love, and “At Seventeen” (1975), a searing anthem about bullying.

Janis Ian: Breaking Silence

The dispute between one of America's most influential playwrights and a respected movie director over actions taken during the "red scare" of the 1950s.

Arthur Miller, Elia Kazan and the Blacklist

Margaret Mitchell: American Rebel engages leading historians, biographers and personal friends to reveal a complex woman who experienced profound identity shifts during her life and struggled with the two great issues of her day: the changing role of women and the liberation of African Americans.

Margaret Mitchell: American Rebel

Explore the inner life and works of the activist, playwright and author of “A Raisin in the Sun,” Lorraine Hansberry. Narrated by actress LaTanya Richardson Jackson and featuring the voice of Tony Award-winning actress Anika Noni Rose as Hansberry.

Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart

Sammy Davis, Jr. had the kind of career that was indisputably legendary, so vast and multi-faceted that it was dizzying in its scope and scale. And yet, his life was complex, complicated and contradictory. Davis strove to achieve the American Dream in a time of racial prejudice and shifting political territory.

Sammy Davis, Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me

American Masters and Latino Public Broadcasting’s VOCES join forces to present the first documentary about Raúl Juliá, the versatile Puerto Rican actor whose work on stage and screen took the world by storm. Raúl Juliá: The World’s a Stage premieres Friday, September 13, 2019 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS, pbs.org/americanmasters and the PBS Video App in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Raúl Juliá: The World’s a Stage

Eugene O'Neill: A Glory of Ghosts

A look at the innovator of primary motion picture techniques that are still important today and the controversy surrounding his beliefs.

D.W. Griffith: Father of Film

Iconic writer, director, actor, comedian, and musician Woody Allen allowed his life and creative process to be documented on-camera for the first time. With this unprecedented access, Emmy®-winning, Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Robert Weide followed the notoriously private film legend over a year and a half to create the ultimate film biography.

Woody Allen: A Documentary (2)

A profile of writer Alice Walker, the first African-American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (for her 1982 novel "The Color Purple"). Included: remarks from Walker; Danny Glover; Quincy Jones; Sapphire; Steven Spielberg; and Howard Zinn. Filmmaker Pratibha Parmar’s new documentary tells Walker’s dramatic life story with poetry and lyricism, and features new interviews with Walker, Steven Spielberg, Danny Glover, Quincy Jones, Gloria Steinem, Sapphire and the late Howard Zinn in one of his final interviews.

Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth

Bing Crosby (1903-77) is remembered via home movies, Dictabelt recordings, photos and insights from wife Kathryn, daughter Mary and sons Harry and Nathaniel. He scored nearly 400 hit singles, including the classic "White Christmas"; and appeared in such popular films as "White Christmas" and "Going My Way." The profile details the allegations of abuse leveled against him by son Gary (1933-95); and explains how his beloved duet with David Bowie on "Little Drummer Boy-Peace on Earth" came about.

Bing Crosby Rediscovered

Delving into the rich history of one of the world’s preeminent ballet companies, Ric Burns combines intimate rehearsal footage, virtuoso performances and interviews with American Ballet Theatre’s key figures.

American Ballet Theatre:  A History

Writer/producer Norman Lear's turbulent childhood, early success with sitcoms “All in the Family,” “The Jeffersons,” “Good Times” and “Maude,” and social activism.

Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You

Discover the story of Chef Jacques Pépin (b. December 18, 1935), a young immigrant with movie-star looks, a charming Gallic accent, and a mastery of cooking and teaching so breathtaking he became an early food icon—joining James Beard and Julia Child among the handful of Americans who transformed the way the country views the food world.

Jacques Pépin: The Art of Craft

A documentary that tells the inspiring story of how six iconic African American women entertainers – Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, Nina Simone, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson and Pam Grier – challenged an entertainment industry deeply complicit in perpetuating racist stereotypes, and transformed themselves and their audiences in the process.

How It Feels To Be Free

The life and work of neurologist and storyteller Oliver Sacks, including personal details about his battles with drug addiction and homophobia.

Oliver Sacks: His Own Life

Dive into the career of the legendary blues guitarist, a pioneer of Chicago’s West Side sound and major influence on rock titans like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton. Featuring new performances and interviews with Carlos Santana and more.

Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase the Blues Away

Discover the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator and diplomat Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Going beyond the "Moynihan Report," President Joe Biden, Ta-Nehisi Coates and others reflect on his decades-long fight to end national poverty.

Moynihan

The famed career of the silent movie actress and an examination of the role of women in film during that era of American cinema.

Lillian Gish: The Actor's Life for Me

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

Satchmo: The Life of Louis Armstrong

The career and collaborations of Simon's 30 years in the music business.

Paul Simon: Born at the Right Time

The plays of a master of portraying human relations and the shades of love and hate.

Tennessee Williams: Orpheus of the American Stage

A biography of the famed singer including her first big breaks in show business.

Lena Horne: In Her Own Voice

A portrait of a masterful and versatile member of the entertainment industry for decades.

Danny Kaye: A Legacy of Laughter

A profile of writer-director Billy Wilder.

Billy Wilder: the Human Comedy

The remarkable songs of America's best-known composer of music for the stage.

Richard Rodgers: The Sweetest Sounds

A spotlight on the eclectic and often humorous American writer and his many accomplishments.

The Education of Gore Vidal

Archival performances, home movies and interviews illustrate singer Nat King Cole's achievements during a 30-year music and television career.

The World of Nat King Cole

Focusing on musicians ranging from James Taylor and Carol King to Elton John.

Troubadors: Carole King/James Taylor & the Rise of the Singer-Songwriter

Quite possibly the biggest star that television has ever produced, Carson commanded, at his peak, a nightly audience of 15 million viewers – double the current audience of Leno and Letterman – combined. Rarely giving interviews, Carson chose to remain a very private man whose public persona made him an American superstar.

Johnny Carson: King of Late Night

Toni Morrison leads an assembly of her peers and critics on an exploration of the powerful themes she confronted throughout her literary career in this artful and intimate meditation that examines the life and work of the legendary storyteller.

Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am

Revisit the complex life and legacy of the author, advocate and human rights pioneer. Helen Keller, who was deaf and blind, used her celebrity and wit to champion rights for women, people with disabilities and people living in poverty.

Becoming Helen Keller

Exploring the life and legacy of singer Marian Anderson and her work as an advocate for the civil rights advocate.

Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands

How could we forget the one and only Hazel Scott? She was not only the most famous jazz virtuoso of her time, but she was the first African-American to have her own television show. This feature documentary will shine a light on this incredible talent whose voice—like the voices of so many women, especially women of color—has been lost.

The Disappearance of Miss Scott

Take an intimate look into the life of Liza Minnelli, best known for her Oscar-winning role in Cabaret. Following in the footsteps of her mother Judy Garland, Minnelli used her boundless raw talent to build her own legacy in showbiz.

LIZA: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story

The music of the unique American master composer (as well as his brother Ira) with insights from his collaborators and friends.

George Gershwin Remembered

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

James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket

The obstacles overcome in the magnificent career of the famed musician.

Ray Charles: The Genius of Soul

An examination of the author's life and a look at the specifics of some of his written works.

Edgar Allan Poe: Terror of the Soul

A feature on the career of the famed television host and how he entered and left the TV industry.

Jack Paar: As I Was Saying

Chronicle of the achievements of the noted composer and conductor of popular and classical music.

Leonard Bernstein: Reaching for the Note

A chronicle of the artistic expression of the counter-culture movement.

The Source: The Story of the Beats and the Beat Generation

A profile of the half-century career of George Cukor, one of the most beloved motion picture directors and producers, and the impact he had on those in the industry.

On Cukor

The life of the folk singer and songwriting artist and the evolution of her work over three decades.

Joni Mitchell: A Woman of Heart and Mind

Henry Luce and Time-Life's America: A Vision of Empire

Through an interview with Julia herself, filmed in her fabled kitchen, and rare images from the photo collection of Paul Child and from family photo albums, Julia Child is revealed as few have seen her before in this tribute and testament to a great American icon.

Julia! America's Favorite Chef

A profile of the musical group of African-American women who uniquely blend many cultural and historical themes in their work.

Sweet Honey in the Rock: Raise Your Voice

The life of the famous movie director as told through the eyes of his son (who is also a director).

George Stevens: A Filmmaker's Journey

An analyis of the writings of the early 20th century prairie writer and the inner conflicts they exposed.

Willa Cather: The Road is All

Bob Dylan: No Direction Home (2)

How Ahmet Ertegun built a recording industry empire in the decades after World War II.

Atlantic Records: The House That Ahmet Built

The work of the American dance pioneer and choreographer who brought ballet techniques to the Broadway stage.

Jerome Robbins: Something to Dance About

A profile of Billie Jean King, who won 39 Grand Slam tennis titles; helped form a precursor to the WTA Tour; founded the Women's Sports Foundation and Women's Sports magazine; cofounded World TeamTennis; and defeated Bobby Riggs at a much-ballyhooed "Battle of the Sexes" match in 1973. The documentary includes remarks from past and current tennis stars Margaret Court, Chris Evert, Maria Sharapova, and Serena and Venus Williams; Riggs' son Larry; Hillary Clinton; and Gloria Steinem.

Billie Jean King

A profile of photographer Dorothea Lange (1895-1965), who captured iconic images of the Great Depression, Dust Bowl and WWII Japanese-American internment camps, by her granddaughter (and acclaimed cinematographer) Dyanna Taylor. The personal documentary incorporates family memories, journals, photos and film footage; interviews and vérité sequences of Lange at her Bay Area home studio, circa 1962-1965; and insights from family, friends and colleagues.

Dorothea Lange: Grab a Hunk of Lightning

One of the biggest American bestsellers of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) was thought to be the first and only novel by Harper Lee. However, on July 14, 2015, Go Set a Watchman was released, featuring characters from Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.  Newly updated version of Mary McDonagh Murphy’s 2012 documentary, Harper Lee: Hey, Boo.

Harper Lee

Rare home movies, performances and photos help illustrate the life and career of singer-songwriter Carole King, from 1960s New York to Los Angeles in the 1970s to the present.

Carole King: Natural Woman

In a 2008 interview, director Sidney Lumet talks about his life and career, which included 44 films in 50 years.

By Sidney Lumet

The unlikely story of 106-year old Chinese American artist Tyrus Wong, and how he overcame poverty and racism in America to become a celebrated modernist painter, Hollywood sketch artist, and “Disney Legend” for his groundbreaking work on the classic animated film, Bambi.

Tyrus

Follow musician, singer, songwriter, record producer and co-founder of The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson on a drive through Los Angeles with his longtime friend and Rolling Stone editor Jason Fine. With Fine behind the wheel and Wilson selecting the music, they reflect on the formative and creative periods in Wilson’s life as they revisit the places that helped to shape his career.

Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road

A biography of Billie Holiday, one of America's most unique and emotional jazz singers and the tragic end of her life at an early age.

Billie Holiday: The Long Night of Lady Day

A retrospective on the rich legacy of cinema directed by Wyler with clips and commentary.

Directed by William Wyler

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

A Duke Named Ellington

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

Milos Forman: Portrait

A look at the soulful interpretations of the remarkable singer, mostly through filmed performances.

Sarah Vaughan: The Divine One

The life of the clarinetist and band leader known as the "King of Swing".

Benny Goodman: Adventures in the Kingdom of Swing

A documentary of the masterful American dancer.

Martha Graham: The Dancer Revealed

Biography of a multi-media artist and his ground-breaking works of artistic expression.

Man Ray: Prophet of the Avant-Garde

The story of the dreams and accomplishments of Samuel Goldwyn, a determined immigrant who founded a Hollywood movie dynasty.

Goldwyn: The Man and His Movies

Biography of the legendary blues player from the deep South who's music contributed to the origins of rock-and-roll.

Muddy Waters: Can't Be Satisfied

The folk music of a world-famous performer as interested in social change as in the history of American roots music.

Pete Seeger: The Power of Song

A recounting of the versatile and controversial work of one of the most flamboyant African-American writers from the first half of the 20th century.

Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun

Told in big themes and bold colors with blistering sound, Pearl Jam Twenty chronicles the years leading up to the band’s formation, the chaos that ensued soon-after being catapulted into superstardom, their step back from the spotlight with the instinct of self-preservation, and the creation of a trusted circle that would surround them — giving way to a work culture that would sustain them. Part concert film, part insider hang, part testimonial to the power of music and uncompromising artists, the film celebrates the freedom that allows Pearl Jam to make music without losing themselves, their fans, or the music lovers they’ve always been. Pearl Jam Twenty features new interviews with original band members Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, and Eddie Vedder, drummer Matt Cameron, and friend and Soundgarden singer/guitarist Chris Cornell, as well as archival performance and interview footage of Mother Love Bone, Pearl Jam, Temple of the Dog, Kurt Cobain, and Neil Young.

Pearl Jam Twenty

A profile of Mel Brooks, the comic mastermind behind such classics as "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein." Featured are remarks from friends and associates, including Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Cloris Leachman, Carl Reiner and Joan Rivers, as well as archival comments from his wife of 41 years, Anne Bancroft (1931-2005).

Mel Brooks: Make a Noise

The challenging life and career of blues guitarist B.B. King; candid interviews feature Bono, Bonnie Raitt, Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, John Mayer, and Ringo Starr.

B.B. King: The Life of Riley

One of the most revered and influential rock ’n’ roll singers of all time, Janis Joplin (January 19, 1943 – October 4, 1970) thrilled audiences and blazed new creative trails before her death at age 27. Oscar-nominated director Amy Berg (Deliver Us From Evil, West of Memphis, Prophet’s Prey) examines Joplin’s story in depth, for the first time on film, presenting an intimate portrait of a complicated and driven artist.

Janis: Little Girl Blue

A candid look at a remarkable life with unprecedented access to Bob Hope’s personal archives, including writings voiced by Billy Crystal and clips from Hope’s body of work to reveal a gifted and very human individual who recognized the power of fame, embraced its responsibilities and handled celebrity with extraordinary wit and grace.

This is Bob Hope

As the wild ride of the 1960s came to a close, Eva Hesse, a 34 year-old German-born American artist was cresting the wave of a swiftly rising career. One of the few women recognized as central to the New York art scene, she had over 20 group shows scheduled for 1970 in addition to being chosen for a cover article in ArtForum Magazine. Her inventive sculptures were finally receiving both the critical and commercial attention they deserved. When she died May 1970 from a brain tumor, the life of one of that decades’ most passionate and brilliant artists was tragically cut short. American Masters deepens the understanding of this extraordinary artist, not only in terms of her innovative work with fiberglass and latex, but also the life that provided the fertile soil for her achievements. Through dozens of new interviews, Hesse’s artwork and a wealth of newly discovered archival imagery, the documentary traces Hesse’s path and delves deep into the creative communities of 1960s New York and Germany. Written and directed by Marcie Begleiter.

Artists Flight: Eva Hesse

One of the most influential American artists of the 20th century, Jean-Michel Basquiat was a rock star of the early ’80s New York art scene. He lived fast, died young and created thousands of drawings and paintings. It took less than a decade for Basquiat, an accountant’s son from Brooklyn, to go from anonymous graffiti writer known as SAMO© to an epoch-defining art star. Today, Basquiat is in the top tier of the international art market along with Picasso, de Kooning, and Francis Bacon. 2018 marks the 30th anniversary of Basquiat’s untimely death from a heroin overdose. In death, he has emerged as one of the most important artists of his generation and now exhibits in museums all over the world.

Basquiat: Rage to Riches

Follow the music icon from a piano lounge through her rise to stardom. From “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” to “Killing Me Softly,” Flack’s virtuosity was inseparable from her commitment to civil rights. Detailing her story in her own words, the film features exclusive access to Flack’s archives and interviews with Rev. Jesse Jackson, Peabo Bryson and more.

Roberta Flack

Explore the story of filmmaker Blake Edwards, known for his comedies like the "Pink Panther" series.

Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames

The story of the silent-era star who brought brilliance and originality to physical comedy.

Buster Keaton: Hard Act to Follow

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

You're the Top: The Cole Porter Story

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

Edward R. Murrow: This Reporter

The origins and growth of a unique form of live entertainment in the 20th century.

Vaudeville

Documentary about the life of Paul Robeson: actor, scholar, and rights activist.

Paul Robeson: Here I Stand

A story of the women who created some of Broadway's most memorable songs.

Yours for a Song: The Women of Tin Pan Alley

American Masters is a PBS television series which produces biographies on enduring writers, musicians, visual and performing artists, dramatists, filmmakers, and others who have left an indelible impression on the cultural landscape of the United States.

All Episodes of American Masters

Season 1

Eugene O'Neill: A Glory of Ghosts

Season 1 Episode 12 - Aired 9/8/1986

Billie Holiday: The Long Night of Lady Day

Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 8/4/1986

Private Conversations: On the Set of 'Death of a Salesman'

Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 6/23/1986

Katherine Anne Porter: The Eye of Memory

Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 7/7/1986

Philip Johnson, Self Portrait

Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 6/30/1986

The Unknown Chaplin (1)

Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 7/14/1986

The Unknown Chaplin (2)

Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 7/21/1986

The Unknown Chaplin (3)

Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 7/28/1986

James Levine: A Life in Music

Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 8/11/1986

Aaron Copland: A Self Portrait

Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 8/18/1986

Thomas Eakins: A Motion Portrait

Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 8/25/1986

Georgia O'Keeffe

Season 1 Episode 11 - Aired 9/1/1986