Susie Essman on "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and the unique "genius” of Larry David
On March 12, 2008, comedian and actress Susie Essman spoke about her longtime collaboration with Larry David on "Curb Your Enthusiasm." She discusses the unique viewpoint of the show and how improvisation is at its core. 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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Groucho & Cavett
S36 E8 - 1h 21m
Discover the enduring friendship between television personality Dick Cavett and his mentor iconic comedian Groucho Marx. Their relationship is chronicled through interviews with Cavett, archival footage and interviews with George Burns and others.
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The Adventures of Saul Bellow
S36 E7 - 1h 22m
Explore Nobel Prize winner Saul Bellow's impact on American literature and how he navigated through issues of his time, including race, gender and the Jewish immigrant experience. Featuring interviews with Philip Roth, Salman Rushdie and others.
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Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On
S36 E6 - 1h 29m
Experience the story of the Oscar-winning Indigenous artist from her rise to prominence in New York’s Greenwich Village folk music scene through her six-decade groundbreaking career as a singer-songwriter, social activist, educator and artist.
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Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road
S36 E5 - 1h 23m
Explore the life and career of the singer, songwriter and co-founder of The Beach Boys. The film traces the legendary performer’s journey of reflection on a drive through Los Angeles with his longtime friend and Rolling Stone editor Jason Fine. It includes interviews with Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Nick Jonas, Linda Perry, Jim James, Gustavo Dudamel and Al Jardine.
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Waterman – Duke: Ambassador of Aloha
S36 E3 - 1h 23m
Narrated by Jason Momoa, discover the inspiring story and considerable impact of five-time Olympic medalist Duke Kahanamoku. He shattered swimming records and globalized surfing while overcoming racism in a lifetime of personal challenges.
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Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands
S36 E2 - 1h 53m
Discover an international singer who captivated royalty in Europe and defied the conscience of 1939 America. Watch rare archival footage and hear audio recordings exploring her life and career from the Metropolitan Opera to the State Department.
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Ailey
S36 E1 - 1h 23m
Discover the legendary choreographer Alvin Ailey whose dances center on the Black American experience with grace, strength and beauty. Featuring previously unheard audio interviews with Ailey, interviews with those close to him and an intimate glimpse into the Ailey studios today.
Extras + Features
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Why Joe Papp thinks the theater should be free for all of us
S36 E4 - 1m 3s
Inspired by public libraries, Joe Papp made it his mission to have theater be accessible to the public. "I just don't do shows," he said. "They must have meaning."
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The origins of Shakespeare in the Park
S36 E4 - 2m 25s
Joe Papp built a stage on a 35 foot portable truck so he could bring Shakespeare to other communities. "I found myself directing all the plays on the mobile unit, because I felt this was the thing I wanted to be closely identified with, to bring Shakespeare to these communities," said Papp. When the truck fell apart in Central Park, Shakespeare in the Park found its permanent home.
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The meaning of Aloha
S36 E3 - 2m 10s
Paul Strauch, Duke's former surf teammate, recounts a conversation he had with Duke about the power of the word "Aloha." "Alo" translates to "in the presence," and "ha" is "the breath of life." "[Aloha] was a symbol of intense greeting and respect." This is an outtake from "Waterman—Duke: Ambassador of Aloha."
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Duke's incredible rescue mission while on a surfboard
S36 E3 - 2m 41s
On June 14, 1925, the Thelma boat was capsized in Newport Beach, California. Duke Kahanamoku heroically rescued eight of the men on the boat, and recovered the bodies of the many others who perished. "Duke saw people suffering and struggling and said, 'I can do something.' He just assumed responsibility, and jumped right in the water."
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Waterman – Duke: Ambassador of Aloha
S36 E3 - 1m 56s
Narrated by Jason Momoa, discover the inspiring story and considerable impact of five-time Olympic medalist Duke Kahanamoku. He shattered swimming records and globalized surfing while overcoming racism in a lifetime of personal challenges.
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Overcoming the distinct challenge of indoor swimming
S36 E3 - 2m 27s
After smashing the Amateur Athletic Union's world record in 1911, Duke Kahanamoku was brought from Hawaii to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to prove his talents in another race. But Duke found his mind and body shocked by his first time swimming in an indoor pool. Though he lost this race, he would go on to win many more. "The building blocks of a waterman is humility," says surfer Laird Hamilton.
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How Duke broke the swimming world record in Hawaii
S36 E3 - 2m 40s
The Amateur Athletic Union held its first swim race in Hawaii in 1911, where Duke Kahanamoku shattered the world record by whole seconds. "Hawaiians came into this excited for national recognition, but Duke gave them the world spotlight."
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Marian Anderson's singing recalls America's racial unrest
S36 E2 - 3m 14s
In 1919, Marian Anderson traveled to Chicago for a six-week opera course. Decades later, the city's lasting impression on her was heard through her rendition of the spiritual folk song, "Crucifixion," which evoked memories of the racial unrest she saw during her time there.
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Marian Anderson overcame discrimination with Danbury farm
S36 E2 - 1m 34s
Anderson bought her beloved farm in Danbury, CT, with her husband, Orpheus Fisher. Despite her reverence and Fisher being able to pass as white, the couple still encountered racism while attempting to buy the farm. The couple persevered and expanded their purchase to 100 acres of land they later dubbed Marianna Farms.
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Marian Anderson's love of fashion and shoes
S36 E2 - 1m 37s
The National Marian Anderson Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania houses a collection of Anderson's beautiful couture clothing, accessories and shoes. "One of the things that Marian was able to re-imagine about her life and about her style was being introduced to the European fashion scene," said Jillian Pirtle, CEO of the museum.
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Denyce Graves and others discuss Marian Anderson's legacy
S36 E2 - 1h 2m
Explore the legacy of Marian Anderson in this special event featuring panelists Director Rita Coburn, Mezzo-Soprano Denyce Graves and Tenor George Shirley, moderated by Executive Producer Michael Kantor.
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How racism affected Marian Anderson's vocal classification
S36 E2 - 1m 24s
Marian Anderson was billed as a contralto, the lowest possible female voice, even though she could also sing the high notes of a soprano. "I believed that Marian Anderson was not classified as a soprano is because that would mean that she would be the love interest of a white counterpart, which was not accepted at all at the time," said opera singer Denyce Graves.
Schedule
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American Masters
Jerry Brown: The Disrupter
Thursday
Apr 25
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
Jerry Brown: The Disrupter
Friday
Apr 26
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. -
Image
American Masters
Jerry Brown: The Disrupter
Friday
Apr 26
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. -
Image
American Masters
Jerry Brown: The Disrupter
Saturday
Apr 27
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
Ailey
Saturday
Apr 27
1 Hour 30 Minutes
The life and career of choreographer Alvin Ailey, whose dances focus on the Black experience, interviews with those close to him and a glimpse into his dance studios. -
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American Masters
Ailey
Sunday
Apr 28
1 Hour 30 Minutes
The life and career of choreographer Alvin Ailey, whose dances focus on the Black experience, interviews with those close to him and a glimpse into his dance studios. -
Image
American Masters
Jerry Brown: The Disrupter
Sunday
Apr 28
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. -
Image
American Masters
Jerry Brown: The Disrupter
Sunday
Apr 28
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. -
Image
American Masters
Jerry Brown: The Disrupter
Monday
Apr 29
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. -
Image
American Masters
Saturday
May 4
1 Hour 30 Minutes
Since its premiere in 1986, this Emmy-winning documentary series has presented hundreds of hours comprising profiles of outstanding American cultural artists. Past subjects have included Charlie Chaplin, Helen Hayes, pop icon Andy Warhol, singer Billie Holliday and composer-conductor Leonard Bernstein. -
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American Masters
Tyrus Wong
Saturday
May 4
1 Hour 30 Minutes
The art, life and impact of Chinese-American painter Tyrus Wong as seen through new and never-before-seen interviews, movie clips and art. -
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American Masters
Sunday
May 5
3 Hours
Since its premiere in 1986, this Emmy-winning documentary series has presented hundreds of hours comprising profiles of outstanding American cultural artists. Past subjects have included Charlie Chaplin, Helen Hayes, pop icon Andy Warhol, singer Billie Holliday and composer-conductor Leonard Bernstein. -
Image
American Masters
Tyrus Wong
Sunday
May 5
1 Hour 30 Minutes
The art, life and impact of Chinese-American painter Tyrus Wong as seen through new and never-before-seen interviews, movie clips and art.
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