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Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On
See the story of the Indigenous singer-songwriter, social activist, educator and artist.
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American Masters films that are streaming right now
This month, we are releasing a selection of films for you to stream and enjoy. -
LISTEN How Buffy Sainte-Marie Made Her Most Triumphant Song Yet
In this special episode of "American Masters: Creative Spark," Buffy Sainte-Marie talks about her song, "Carry It On." -
WATCH VIDEO Ernest Hemingway versus Saul Bellow
Philip Roth talks about Hemingway's simple, declarative sentences versus Bellow's descriptive style. -
Why does the American dream persist?
How the American dream is depictions in the novels of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gish Gen, Saul Bellow and others. -
WATCH VIDEO How Buffy Sainte-Marie won an Oscar for "Up Where We Belong"
The song "took on a life of its own." -
WATCH VIDEO When Groucho Marx hosted “The Tonight Show”
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WATCH VIDEO Dick Cavett’s early days of standup comedy
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10 Saul Bellow quotes about life
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When Cab Calloway was Betty Boop's co-star
Calloway's appearances in "Minnie the Moocher" and "The Old Man of the Mountain" helped promote his music. -
9 storytellers influenced by "The Twilight Zone"
Created by Rod Serling, "The Twilight Zone" continues to influence contemporary artists, from Jordan Peele to Mel Brooks. -
John Carpenter on his composing process, including the score to "Halloween"
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Why Richard Rodgers matters
Dive into the career of the legendary composer whose artistry still influences American culture today. -
Martin Scorsese on the films of John Ford
The prolific director explains how John Ford's films influenced his career. -
Brian Wilson and I - Mark Vonnegut challenges the myth of "creative genius"
Mark Vonnegut draws parallels to Brian Wilson and challenges the stigmas of mental illness in this personal essay, reflecting on the label of "creative genius" that was assigned to both Wilson and his own father, author Kurt Vonnegut. -
8 essential destinations in Southern California for every Brian Wilson fan
From the memories of childhood to the places he still loves to visit. -
10 photos from Shakespeare in the Park’s incredible history
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A hard act to follow - my time as Joe Papp's intern in 1989
What it was like interning in 1989 under the infamous and indomitable Joe Papp -
13 nearly forgotten Hollywood films that feature Duke Kahanamoku
Though Duke Kahanamoku was never able to escape typecasting or achieve Hollywood stardom, you can still spot him in these films. -
WATCH VIDEO Meet Elsa Sjunneson: DeafBlind fencer, hiker, published author
This short film is an extended look at some of the themes explored in American Masters - Becoming Helen Keller. -
LISTEN Jericho Brown Takes on Tradition
The Webby Award nominee breaks down the process behind writing his poem “The Tradition.” -
WATCH A PREVIEW The Adventures of Saul Bellow
Coming soon: explore Nobel Prize winner Saul Bellow's impact on American literature. -
WATCH A PREVIEW Groucho & Cavett
Coming soon: discover the enduring friendship between legendary comedians Dick Cavett and Groucho Marx. -
Buffy Sainte-Marie’s unique activism changed perceptions of Indigenous people
How the musician's activism championed Indigenous rights. -
Dick Cavett writes about his friendship with Groucho Marx
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WATCH VIDEO A classic Saul Bellow rant about Chicago
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WATCH VIDEO What made Groucho Marx a great writer
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The essential Buffy Sainte-Marie playlist
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Buffy Sainte-Marie is what the world needs right now
Madison Thomas shares her thoughts on directing an American Masters documentary. -
WATCH VIDEO Buffy Sainte-Marie brought Indigenous representation to TV
Find out how Sainte-Marie sparked a revolutionary conversation about representation while on set for "The Virginian." -
5 facts about horror icon Lon Chaney, Sr.
Discover how the actor pushed the limitations of his body with prosthetics. -
Mel Brooks' comedy is a resistance against the mundane
Written as part of the American Masters Digital Archive project, this essay draws on original interviews conducted for “Mel Brooks: Make a Noise.” -
Eight masters who were ahead of their time
How were the works of these American figures rediscovered over time? -
Baked salmon with sautéed endive
Pépin's take on a simple baked salmon includes a sauce of ketchup, sesame oil and hot sauce. -
9 masterworks that almost never happened
From literature to music, these iconic American masterworks were almost never made. -
Norman Lear's daughter shares his secret to longevity on his 100th birthday
Arts advocate and writer Kate Lear celebrates the wit and wisdom of her father. -
Six musicians who influenced Elvis Presley
Featuring Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Little Richard and more. -
Tracey Ullman on Mel Brooks' intrinsically American comedy
"He's just a wonderful, funny presence," said Ullman on Brooks. -
Seven facts to learn about Duke Ellington
Did you know Duke Ellington was a "jazz ambassador"? -
WATCH VIDEO Rare studio footage of the Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations"
Go behind the scenes of the iconic song. -
"Pet Sounds" and the opposing forces of Brian Wilson's music
Why "Pet Sounds" is considered one of the best albums of all time