
George Plimpton: Making a Success out of Failure
Clip: 5/16/2014 | 3m 11s
Journalist George Plimpton did not show early promise when he failed at Exeter Academy.
Writer and journalist George Plimpton (1927–2003) did not show much early promise when he flunked out of the college preparatory school Exeter (Phillips Exeter Academy), where his family held an esteemed reputation. In a film excerpt, Plimpton's son reads his father's essay: "How Failing at Exeter Made a Success of George Plimpton.” Tune in to PBS on Friday, May 16 at 9 pm for the full film.
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Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...

George Plimpton: Making a Success out of Failure
Clip: 5/16/2014 | 3m 11s
Writer and journalist George Plimpton (1927–2003) did not show much early promise when he flunked out of the college preparatory school Exeter (Phillips Exeter Academy), where his family held an esteemed reputation. In a film excerpt, Plimpton's son reads his father's essay: "How Failing at Exeter Made a Success of George Plimpton.” Tune in to PBS on Friday, May 16 at 9 pm for the full film.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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How do today’s masters create their art? Each episode an artist reveals how they brought their creative work to life. Hear from artists across disciplines, like actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, singer-songwriter Jewel, author Min Jin Lee, and more on our podcast "American Masters: Creative Spark."Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipGeorge Plimpton at the Helm of The Paris Review
Clip: 5/16/2014 | 2m 38s | Plimpton shaped the prestigious literary magazine with the flair of a kindly ringmaster. (2m 38s)
George Plimpton's Famous April Fool's Day Joke
Clip: 5/16/2014 | 3m 11s | Plimpton's assistant was tasked with keeping his Sports Illustrated hoax going. (3m 11s)
Peter Matthiessen Interview About The Paris Review
Clip: 5/16/2014 | 1m 28s | Peter Matthiessen (May 22, 1927 – April 5, 2014) co-founded The Paris Review in 1953. (1m 28s)
Plimpton Gives Writer Jay McInerney His Debut
Clip: 5/16/2014 | 2m 17s | Plimpton published McInerney's first story ever in The Paris Review in 1982. (2m 17s)
Plimpton! Starring George Plimpton as Himself - Trailer
Preview: 5/16/2014 | 2m 8s | Journalist George Plimpton was a writer, Paris Review editor, amateur sportsman and more. (2m 8s)
Ric Burns on George Plimpton's Death
Clip: 5/16/2014 | 2m 10s | Documentary filmmaker Ric Burns describes the surprise of George Plimpton's death. (2m 10s)
Robert F. Kennedy: Friend and Admirer of George Plimpton
Clip: 5/16/2014 | 1m 55s | In this excerpt, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recalls his father's admiration for Plimpton. (1m 55s)
Plimpton! Starring George Plimpton as Himself - Preview
Preview: 5/15/2014 | 31s | Premieres Friday, May 16, 2014 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. Check your local listings. (31s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipSupport for PBS provided by:
Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...