American Masters

William F. Buckley, Jr.'s early childhood life

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."

William F. Buckley, Jr.'s early childhood life

3m 4s

  • Dear Corky: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Dear Corky

    16m 27s

    New Yorker Corky Lee photographed his hometown’s Chinatown and Asian American communities around the country for over 50 years, documenting activists, celebrities and everyday heroes he encountered in over 100,000 photos. While documenting the latest rise of anti-Asian hate crimes, Lee passed away from COVID-19. In his own words and photos, this short documentary reveals the man behind the camera.

  • Jerry Seinfeld on his place in American sitcom history: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Jerry Seinfeld on his place in American sitcom history

    16m 1s

    On August 13, 2008, comedian Jerry Seinfeld discussed his collaboration with Larry David, the evolution of the American sitcom and the lure of stand-up comedy. Interview conducted by director Michael Kantor for the six-hour PBS comedy series, “Make ‘Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America” (2009).

  • Moving soon to WETA Passport

    The Incomparable Mr. Buckley (ASL): asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Incomparable Mr. Buckley (ASL)

    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. This version contains on-screen ASL interpretation.

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