How Phyllis Diller broke down the doors for female comics
On September 19, 2007, Phyllis Diller reflected on how her comedy was a response to years of “take my wife” jokes. Interview conducted by director Michael Kantor for the six-hour PBS comedy series, “Make ‘Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America” (2009).
Episodes
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The Incomparable Mr. Buckley
S38 E3 - 1h 40m
Discover the intellectual evolution and political legacy of William F. Buckley, Jr. See how the author and commentator, one of the foremost public intellectuals in American history, galvanized the modern conservative movement.
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Moynihan
S38 E2 - 1h 43m
Discover the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator and diplomat Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Going beyond the “Moynihan Report,” President Joe Biden, Ta-Nehisi Coates and others reflect on his decades-long fight to end national poverty.
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HOPPER: An American love story
S38 E1 - 53m 3s
Discover the secrets behind Edward Hopper’s most iconic and enigmatic works. Known for “Nighthawks” and other evocative paintings of American life, Hopper has left a lasting impression on our culture. Meet the man behind the brush, and see how his marriage to fellow artist Josephine Nivison Hopper shaped his art and career.
Extras + Features
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William F. Buckley, Jr.'s relationship with wife Patricia
S38 E3 - 2m 5s
William F. Buckley, Jr. and his wife Patricia had a brazen, but loving relationship. The two "annoyed each other intensely and absolutely adored each other." They held grand parties at their home with many distinguished guests.
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The Incomparable Mr. Buckley
S38 E3 - 2m 31s
Discover the intellectual evolution and political legacy of William F. Buckley, Jr. See how the author and commentator, one of the foremost public intellectuals in American history, galvanized the modern conservative movement.
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The Incomparable Mr. Buckley (AD + ASL + OC Trailer)
S38 E3 - 2m 47s
Discover the intellectual evolution and political legacy of William F. Buckley, Jr. See how the author and commentator, one of the foremost public intellectuals in American history, galvanized the modern conservative movement. This version contains audio description, open captions and ASL interpretation.
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Buckley's Yale criticism fueled the conservative movement
S38 E3 - 1m 47s
William F. Buckley, Jr. was tapped to speak at the Alumni Day Speech at Yale University in 1950. However, Yale administration feared his outspoken criticism of the university and asked Buckley to pare back his speech. Buckley refused and later wrote a book about his experiences at the school.
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Exclusive Preview: Who was William F. Buckley, Jr.?
S38 E3 - 10m 12s
Watch the first ten minutes of The Incomparable Mr. Buckley in this sneak preview. Discover how political commentator William F. Buckley, Jr. galvanized the modern conservative movement. The preeminent public intellectual grew up on a sprawling estate in Sharon, Connecticut, where his father's own idea of pedagogy had a lasting impact on his future ideals.
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When William F. Buckley, Jr. ran for mayor of New York City
S38 E3 - 2m 56s
In an effort to drive votes away from "liberal Republican" John Lindsay, William F. Buckley, Jr. ran for mayor of New York City under the Conservative Party. The columnist Pete Hamill said of Buckley at the time, "This is the first person we've ever seen in politics with a genuinely original mind."
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5 Firing Line moments that are still relevant today
S38 E3 - 15m 34s
William F. Buckley, Jr. hosted Firing Line for 33 years. During his tenure as host, he debated a number of influential public figures on topics ranging from comedy to imperialism. This compliation shows Buckley in conversation with five of his most memorable guests on matters that are still important today.
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William F. Buckley, Jr.'s early childhood life
S38 E3 - 3m 4s
William F. Buckley, Jr. grew up in Great Elm, a sprawling estate located in Sharon, Connecticut. At the 114 room home, the Buckley family had tutors on a variety of academic subjects and activities including horseback riding and ballroom dancing. His father, William Francis Buckley, was devoted to his own idea of pedagogy, and acted as a "headmaster of this academy."
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Daniel Patrick Moynihan on going "beyond the melting pot"
S38 E2 - 2m 40s
In 1963, Daniel Patrick Moynihan and sociologist Nathan Glazer published their book, "Beyond the Melting Pot," which transformed how ethnicity was viewed in America, from a homogenized country to one of jostling ethnic groups.
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Moynihan (EAD + ASL + OC Trailer)
S38 E2 - 5m 45s
Discover the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator and diplomat Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Going beyond the “Moynihan Report,” President Joe Biden, Ta-Nehisi Coates and others reflect on his decades-long fight to end national poverty. This version contains extended audio description, open captions and ASL interpretation.
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Moynihan
S38 E2 - 2m 49s
Discover the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator and diplomat Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Going beyond the “Moynihan Report,” President Joe Biden, Ta-Nehisi Coates and others reflect on his decades-long fight to end national poverty.
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Moynihan on working with Nixon across party lines
S38 E2 - 2m 23s
Against the advice of his family and friends, Daniel Patrick Moynihan took a job with the Nixon administration as Richard Nixon's domestic advisor. Although Moynihan didn't necessarily agree with all of Nixon's politics, he felt a duty to serve the American public. His impact as domestic advisor was wide-ranging, including creating the Council on Urban Affairs.
Schedule
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American Masters
A Song for Cesar
Saturday
Jul 20
1 Hour 30 Minutes
A unique view of the life and legacy of Cesar Chavez and the farmworker movement as well as other facets of his life from childhood to his final days. -
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American Masters
A Song for Cesar
Sunday
Jul 21
1 Hour 30 Minutes
A unique view of the life and legacy of Cesar Chavez and the farmworker movement as well as other facets of his life from childhood to his final days. -
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American Masters
A Song for Cesar
Monday
Jul 22
1 Hour 30 Minutes
A unique view of the life and legacy of Cesar Chavez and the farmworker movement as well as other facets of his life from childhood to his final days. -
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American Masters
Jerry Brown: The Disrupter
Monday
Jul 22
2 Hours
The political and personal journey of California Gov. Jerry Brown, the longest serving governor in California history, and his work on issues including climate change and inequality. -
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American Masters
The Incomparable Mr. Buckley
Tuesday
Jul 23
2 Hours
The intellectual evolution and political legacy of American conservative writer and political commentator William F. Buckley Jr. -
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American Masters
Floyd Abrams: Speaking Freely
Wednesday
Jul 24
1 Hour 30 Minutes
The 50-year career of First Amendment attorney Floyd Abrams, whose landmark cases include the Pentagon Papers and Citizens United. -
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American Masters
Moynihan
Thursday
Jul 25
2 Hours
The life of long-serving Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-N.Y.), considered to have one of the broadest public careers in U.S. political history.
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