Back to Show
American Masters
Lorraine Hansberry's Inspiration for "A Raisin in the Sun"
Lorraine Hansberry drew inspiration from personal experience when she sat down to write a play about a working class family on the South Side of Chicago. See how she worked to find the words to describe their hopes and struggles, and how she pressed on to complete "A Raisin in the Sun."
Support Provided By
Season

1:23:25
Learn about jazz artist Hazel Scott, the first Black American to have their own TV show.

Unlock with PBS Passport
52:55
Discover the life of singer Brenda Lee and her musical hits spanning genres and decades.

Unlock with PBS Passport
1:23:57
Explore the story of writer Julia Alvarez, who blazed a trail for a generation of Latino authors.

Unlock with PBS Passport
1:23:35
Explore the story of filmmaker Blake Edwards, known for his comedies like the "Pink Panther" series.

Unlock with PBS Passport
1:40:39
Discover the intellectual evolution and political legacy of William F. Buckley, Jr.

Unlock with PBS Passport
1:43:31
Discover the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator and diplomat Daniel Patrick Moynihan.

Unlock with PBS Passport
53:03
Discover the secrets behind Edward Hopper’s most iconic and enigmatic works.

54:31
El artista José Clemente Orozco (1883-1945) encabezó el movimiento muralista en México.

1:22:29
Experience the groundbreaking sounds of bebop pioneer and virtuoso composer Max Roach.

Unlock with PBS Passport
1:22:12
Trace the life and legacy of labor activist Cesar Chavez through music and the arts.

Unlock with PBS Passport
1:22:45
Follow the 50-year career of First Amendment lawyer and legal expert Floyd Abrams.

Unlock with PBS Passport
1:33:44
Experience the political and personal journey of California governor Jerry Brown.