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American Masters Season 29 Episodes
Season 29 Episode Guide
7 Episodes 2015 - 2015
Episode 1
Ricky Jay: Deceptive Practice
Fri, Jan 23, 2015 57 mins
The Season 29 premiere profiles magician, author, actor and historian Ricky Jay. He started in his primary profession, magic, at the age of 4, when he served as apprentice to his grandfather Max Katz, an accomplished amateur magician. The documentary features footage from Jay's one-man shows and TV appearances, including a spot with Steve Martin on Dinah Shore's 1970s' talk show; and clips of such great 20th-century magicians as Cardini, Slydini, Al Flosso, Dai Vernon and Charles Miller.
Episode 2
August Wilson: The Ground on Which I Stand
Fri, Feb 20, 2015 87 mins
A profile of playwright August Wilson (1945-2005), who some call America's Shakespeare, featuring insights from family, friends and actors Viola Davis, Charles Dutton, Laurence Fishburne, James Earl Jones and Phylicia Rashad. His credits include the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning "Fences" and Pulitzer Prize-winning "The Piano Lesson."
Episode 3
Jascha Heifetz: God's Fiddler
Thu, Apr 16, 2015 57 mins
A profile of legendary violin virtuoso Jascha Heifetz (1901-87), featuring remarks from violinists Itzhak Perlman, Ivry Gitlis and Ida Haendel; former students Ayke Agus and Sherry Kloss; and biographers John Anthony Maltese and Arthur Vered.
Episode 4
American Ballet Theatre: A History
Fri, May 15, 2015 87 mins
The story of the American Ballet Theatre, which was founded in 1940. Included: rehearsal footage; virtuoso performances; and remarks from such key figures as Alicia Alonso; current dancers Susan Jaffe and Julie Kent; and artistic director Kevin McKenzie.
Episode 5
Althea
Fri, Sep 4, 2015 90 mins
A profile of tennis great Althea Gibson (1927-2003), the first African-American athlete to win at Wimbledon (1957 and '58) and the U.S. Nationals (1957 and '58). It was not an easy path, however. Despite winning numerous titles, she made little money; Grand Slam tournaments, as well as others, were amateur-only affairs. As a result, she turned pro in 1959 and toured with the Harlem Globetrotters; recorded a jazz album; and, in 1964, became the first African-American LPGA Tour member.
Episode 6
Pedro E. Guerrero: A Photographer's Journey
Fri, Sep 18, 2015 60 mins
A profile of Mexican-American photographer Pedro E. Guerrero (1917-2012), who worked with three of the most iconic American artists of the 20th century: architect Frank Lloyd Wright and sculptors Alexander Calder and Louise Nevelson. He was one of the most sought-after photographers of the post-WWII era, though demand eventually faded due to his anti-Vietnam War stance. Included: insights from Guerrero himself, via a 2010 interview; and Dixie Legler Guerrero, his second wife and archivist.
Episode 7
The Women's List
Fri, Sep 25, 2015 60 mins
Fifteen women who have created and defined contemporary American culture are spotlighted, including Madeleine Albright, Gloria Allred, Laurie Anderson, Sara Blakely, Margaret Cho, Edie Falco, Elizabeth Holmes, Betsey Johnson and Alicia Keys. Also: Aimee Mullins; Nancy Pelosi; Rosie Perez; Shonda Rhimes; Wendy Williams; and Nia Wordlaw. The women reflect on their experiences, including overcoming discrimination and other challenges. The documentary features an introduction by Toni Morrison.