American Masters

International Film Festival in New York

A behind-the-scenes look at the filming of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman for television.

One of America's best-known architects is profiled, with emphasis on his early career and his later movement away from minimalism.

A biography of the well-known social critic and author Katherine Anne Porter.

A profile of the literary work of Isaac Bashevis Singer and his influence on preserving Jewish culture and the Yiddish language.

A retrospective on the rich legacy of cinema directed by Wyler with clips and commentary.

A trip through the life and works of the piano virtuoso Arthur Rubinstein conducted by his son John.

The famed career of the silent movie actress and an examination of the role of women in film during that era of American cinema.

Detailed biography of the renowned jazz performer/conductor Duke Ellington and his band, including his easy-going grace and sophistication.

A retrospective of the urban photography of Andre Kertesz, told by tracking him in the final years before his death.

The life of the renowned Broadway director and arts critic, as well as co-founder of New York's Group Theatre.

A retrospective on the career of one of America's finest teachers of acting technique.

The evolution and extraordinary musical creations of the nation's best-known jazz musician.

The life of the famous director and scriptwriter, from his writings for the stage to his Hollywood acclaim.

A documentary that follows the varied career of the noted film director.

Interviews and film clips document the hard-hitting film work of Scorsese.

A chronicle of the extraordinary actress and those who were influenced by her universally-respected work.

Inside the workings of the mecca of "method acting" techniques.

The life of the creative and imaginative physicist and his thoughts and writings after coming to the United States.

The career and collaborations of Simon's 30 years in the music business.

An examination of the thinking and techniques used by one of America's most-celebrated movie makers.

A look at the innovator of primary motion picture techniques that are still important today and the controversy surrounding his beliefs.

The life of the clarinetist and band leader known as the "King of Swing".

A documentary of the masterful American dancer.

The life of the famed commentator on the American condition and his style of humor.

The plays of a master of portraying human relations and the shades of love and hate.

The rise of one of the world's most powerful and accomplished tenors and his great performances.

A documentary on the man who pioneered the use of early television for dramatic storytelling.

A retrospective on the author's writings including commentary from his professional associates.

“All photographs are accurate. None of them is the truth.” –Richard Avedon The notable images of one of the nation's most famous fashion photographers.

A biography of the famed singer including her first big breaks in show business.

A portrait of a masterful and versatile member of the entertainment industry for decades.

Biography of a multi-media artist and his ground-breaking works of artistic expression.

The poetry of the noted "beat generation" poet and the post World War II lifestyle and values reflected within his works.

The origins and growth of a unique form of live entertainment in the 20th century.

A profile of writer-director Billy Wilder.

Chronicle of the achievements of the noted composer and conductor of popular and classical music.

An in-depth look at the famous art and caricatures of Al Hirschfeld.

Documentary about the life of Paul Robeson: actor, scholar, and rights activist.

A chronicle of the clash between two film-making legends when they tried to work together in the 1940s.

A presentation of the award-winning PBS series American Masters, Norman Rockwell: Painting America etches a warm and indelible portrait of one of America's most beloved artists.

Profile of the well-known jazz singer, from early band performances and "scat" to her solo career.

Profile of the actor who rose from niche westerns to movie industry fame and influence.

The American writer Norman Mailer and his bristling personality - in his own words.

A profile of the half-century career of George Cukor, one of the most beloved motion picture directors and producers, and the impact he had on those in the industry.

The story of the dreams and accomplishments of Samuel Goldwyn, a determined immigrant who founded a Hollywood movie dynasty.

An examination of the themes and characters of the noted novelist.

The remarkable songs of America's best-known composer of music for the stage.

An up-close look at the songs and lifestyle of the popular country western personality.

A biography of the influential actor and director of silent film classics and his contributions to character expression and make-up effects.

A retrospective on the history and work of the famous American school for academic mastery of the performing arts.

The dispute between one of America's most influential playwrights and a respected movie director over actions taken during the "red scare" of the 1950s.

The highs and lows of the life of James Brown, the colorful and controversial "Godfather of Soul".

“Eternally elegant” screen superstar Cary Grant (1904-86) is profiled. Included are clips from his films and interviews with ex-wife Betsy Drake and widow Barbara Grant. There are also comments from biographers and film critics, and costars Eva Marie Saint and Martin Landau. Helen Mirren is the narrator, and Jeremy Northam provides the voice of Grant.

The brief but bright career of the cinema star who inspired an entire generation.

A profile of the musical group of African-American women who uniquely blend many cultural and historical themes in their work.

The life of the famous movie director as told through the eyes of his son (who is also a director).