American Masters

History Series / 11 Seasons

American Masters, committed to producing comprehensive film biographies about the broad cast of characters who comprise our cultural history.

Watch Latest: S37 E6

1h 33m / TV-PG

Jacques Pépin Makes Sautéed Cod with Mushrooms

5m 44s

Cod is a flaky and affordable fish. Jacques Pépin serves his with a garnish of vegetables including mushrooms, scallions, radishes and olives, but it can be made with any leftover vegetables you may have.

Martin Scorsese on the films of John Ford

19m 20s

On February 3, 2006, Martin Scorsese spoke with director Sam Pollard about the partnership between John Ford and John Wayne and how their films have impacted his career. Interview conducted for "American Masters — John Ford / John Wayne: The Filmmaker and the Legend" (2006).

Jacques Pépin Makes Pasta Primavera

5m 32s

This versatile pasta recipe, adapted from Jacques' friend Ed Giobbi, can be tossed with a salad of any vegetables that are in season. Microwaving the veggies helps this dish come together quickly.

Jacques Pépin Makes Lemon Posset for Dessert

4m 16s

This lemon posset is one of Jacques Pépin's simplest recipes. Adapted from Claire Clark the former pastry chef at The French Laundry, this chilled citrus dessert includes blueberries and mint.

Jacques Pépin Makes Ice Cream French Toast

3m 33s

Jacques Pépin adapted this recipe from his time as a breakfast cook at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris. Jacques uses melted vanilla ice cream and bananas here, but any flavor ice cream or fruit would work well.

How Harry Belafonte embraced Black culture in music

16m 49s

On September 21, 1998, Harry Belafonte spoke about the intersection of music and race and the influence that Paul Robeson had on his career and the Black community as a whole. Interview conducted for "American Masters—Paul Robeson: Here I Stand" (1999), directed by St. Clair Bourne.

Tracey Ullman on Mel Brooks' intrinsically American comedy

11m 45s

On July 12, 2012, Tracey Ullman sat down with director Robert Trachtenberg to discuss the joys of working with Mel Brooks for "American Masters - Mel Brooks: Make a Noise" (2013).

Baayork Lee on becoming a Broadway star at age 5

12m 24s

On January 17, 2001, actress and dancer Baayork Lee discussed landing her first role on Broadway at age 5, working with Richard Rodgers and other Broadway greats, and her passion for choreography. Interview conducted for "American Masters: Richard Rodgers: The Sweetest Sounds" (2001), directed by Roger Sherman.

I. M. Pei on sculpture

7m 26s

On July 24, 1997, architect I. M. Pei shared his thoughts on the relationship between sculpture and scale, including why abstract sculpture has no limit to scale compared to the lifelike elements of sculptures scaled to the human figure. Interview conducted for "American Masters: Alexander Calder," directed by Roger Sherman.

Gloria Steinem on the legacy of Marilyn Monroe

11m

On February 21, 2006, Gloria Steinem spoke about Marilyn Monroe's lasting legacy, what she represented to women and men, and how the advent of the women's movement could have provided her the support she desperately needed. Interview conducted by Gail Levin, director of "American Masters—Marilyn Monroe: Still Life."

Laura Linney on mastering acting at Juilliard

15m 7s

On March 7, 2000, Laura Linney discussed her time at the prestigious and notorious Juilliard and how it helped shape her as an actor. "I was just lucky that Juilliard accepted me because it was the right program for me. It's not right for everyone, but I was really, really lucky to get in." Interview conducted for "American Masters: Juilliard" (2003), directed by Maro Chermayeff.

Patti Smith on Lou Reed and rock and roll

15m 35s

On July 31, 1997, Patti Smith shared her thoughts on the 70s rock and roll scene and how Lou Reed of the Velvet Underground inspired her as a young girl in South Jersey. Interview conducted by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, director of "American Masters—Lou Reed: Rock And Roll Heart" (1998).

Dionne Warwick on Lena Horne and her musical influences

11m 55s

On February 8, 1996, Dionne Warwick discussed her musical influences and the impact that Lena Horne and others had on her career, in this clip from our digital archives. Interview conducted for "American Masters—Lena Horne: In Her Own Words" (1996), directed by Susan Lacy.

Betty White talks about funny women in comedy history

12m 12s

On May 29, 2007, comedian Betty White discussed the groundbreaking work of Carol Burnett and Lucille Ball. She delves into the history of women in comedy in this extended outtake originally conducted for "American Masters - Carol Burnett: A Woman of Character" (2007).

Gloria Naylor on the American dream

15m 16s

On June 28th, 2000, novelist Gloria Naylor spoke about the illusion of the American dream and the role it plays in Nella Larsen's "Passing." She discussed the motivations behind the characters of the critically acclaimed novel in this extended outtake from the American Masters Digital Archive. Interview originally conducted by Michael Epstein, director of Novel Reflections on The American Dream.

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