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American Masters

George Plimpton: Making a Success out of Failure

Journalist George Plimpton did not show early promise when he failed at Exeter Academy.

05/16/2014 | Rating TV-PG

American Masters

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.

05/16/2014 | Rating TV-PG

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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...

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George 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)

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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...

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