American Masters

The time Walter Winchell condemned an American Nazi rally

In 1939, 20,000 Nazi sympathizers staged a rally in Madison Square Garden in New York City with Nazi imagery displayed next to a portrait of George Washington. Walter Winchell couldn’t allow the event to go unnoticed by the American people and condemned it on his national radio program. Later, he criticized aviator Charles Lindbergh and the America First Committee for it's blatant anti-Semitism.

The time Walter Winchell condemned an American Nazi rally

2m 53s

  • Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames

    S38 E4 - 1h 23m

    Explore the story of director, screenwriter and producer Blake Edwards, known for cinema classics such as “Breakfast at Tiffany's,” “Days of Wine and Roses” and the “Pink Panther” series.

  • How Phyllis Diller broke down the doors for female comics: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    How Phyllis Diller broke down the doors for female comics

    11m 35s

    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).

  • Paul Mooney on his career and relationship with Richard Pryor: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Paul Mooney on his career and relationship with Richard Pryor

    10m 39s

    On April 6, 2007, Paul Mooney reflected on the mechanics of stand-up comedy and his unique role as best friend to comedy’s all-time greatest, Richard Pryor. Interview conducted by director Michael Kantor for the six-hour PBS comedy series, “Make ‘Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America” (2009).

WETA Passport

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.