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American Masters

Why Joe Papp thinks the theater should be free for all of us

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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Brenda Lee: Rockin' Around
52:55
Discover the life of singer Brenda Lee and her musical hits spanning genres and decades.
Julia Alvarez: A Life Reimagined
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1:23:57
Explore the story of writer Julia Alvarez, who blazed a trail for a generation of Latino authors.
Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames
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1:23:35
Explore the story of filmmaker Blake Edwards, known for his comedies like the "Pink Panther" series.
Thought Leaders
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1:40:39
Discover the intellectual evolution and political legacy of William F. Buckley, Jr.
Moynihan
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1:43:31
Discover the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator and diplomat Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
HOPPER: An American love story
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53:03
Discover the secrets behind Edward Hopper’s most iconic and enigmatic works.
José Clemente Orozco: Hombre de Fuego (En Español)
54:31
El artista José Clemente Orozco (1883-1945) encabezó el movimiento muralista en México.
Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes
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1:22:29
Experience the groundbreaking sounds of bebop pioneer and virtuoso composer Max Roach.
A Song for Cesar
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1:22:12
Trace the life and legacy of labor activist Cesar Chavez through music and the arts.
Floyd Abrams: Speaking Freely
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1:22:45
Follow the 50-year career of First Amendment lawyer and legal expert Floyd Abrams.
Jerry Brown: The Disrupter
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1:33:44
Experience the political and personal journey of California governor Jerry Brown.
Little Richard: King and Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll
1:29:31
Experience the meteoric rise and enduring legacy of Little Richard.
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