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American Masters Season 4 Episodes
Season 4 Episode Guide
10 Episodes 1989 - 1989
Episode 1
Harold Clurman: A Life of Theatre
Mon, Jul 3, 1989 60 mins
"Harold Clurman: A Life of Theatre" conveys the passionate dedication of Broadway's revered director and critic (1901-80) in his own words, as well of those of his colleagues. Included: Julie Harris, Roy Scheider, Arthur Miller and Karl Malden. Meryl Streep narrates.
Episode 2
Stella Adler: Awake and Dream!
Mon, Jul 10, 1989 60 mins
"Stella Adler: Awake and Dream!" profiles the doyenne of American acting teachers, who's seen working with her students in Stanislavski-based techniques that stress "imagination." Frank Langella narrates.
Episode 3
Satchmo: The Life of Louis Armstrong
Mon, Jul 31, 1989 90 mins
A 1989 profile of trumpet titan Louis Armstrong, who "set the ground rules for the way we play and hear jazz and pop music," says narrator Hattie Winston. Armstrong (1901-71), who began playing as a teenager in his native New Orleans, is seen in a wealth of performance clips, and is recalled by colleagues, including Tony Bennett, Dave Brubeck, Doc Cheatham, Dexter Gordon, Milt Hinton and Wynton Marsalis, who calls Armstrong "truly universal."
Episode 4
Celebrating Bird: The Triumph of Charlie Parker
Fri, Aug 4, 1989 60 mins
"Celebrating Bird: The Triumph of Charlie Parker" profiles the saxophonist (1920-55) through interviews, clips and recordings. Music includes "Yardbird Suite," "Confirmation," "Kim" and a concert version of "Koko."
Episode 5
Celebrating Bird: The Triumph of Charlie Parker
60 mins
A father of bebop, Charlie Parker influenced generations of musicians.
Episode 6
Jasper Johns: Ideas in Paint
Mon, Sep 11, 1989 90 mins
"Mort Sahl: The Loyal Opposition" chronicles the satirist's career through interviews and performance clips. Sahl recalls his decision to focus on politics in his act; his work for JFK's 1960 Presidential campaign; and how his outspoken views affected his career.
Episode 7
Mort Sahl: The Loyal Opposition
Mon, Sep 18, 1989 90 mins
A profile of photographer W. Eugene Smith, best known for his socially provocative Life magazine pictures. Included: re-created scenes (in which Smith is portrayed by Peter Riegert); comments by historians, colleagues, friends and family members.
Episode 8
W. Eugene Smith: Photography Made Difficult
Wed, Nov 15, 1989 60 mins
The two-part profile of Harold Lloyd, unreeling the comedy star's career, begins with his early silent-film years. Included: clips from "Just Nuts" (1915), "Grandma's Boy" (1922), "Safety Last" (1923). Narrated by director Lindsay Anderson.
Episode 9
Harold Lloyd: The Third Genius
Wed, Nov 15, 1989 60 mins
This profile of Harold Lloyd concludes with the comedy star's declining '30s career, when his private life proved more rewarding. Clips include "Girl Shy" (1924); "Feet First" (1930); "Movie Crazy" (1932). Produced for British TV by Kevin Brownlow and David Gill.
Episode 10
Milos Forman: Portrait
Wed, Dec 20, 1989 60 mins
"Milos Forman: Portrait" profiles the Oscar-winning filmmaker, who's shown directing "Valmont" (1989). Clips include "Loves of a Blonde," "One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest," "Hair" and "Amadeus."