About this season
American Masters is a PBS television series which produces biographies on enduring writers, musicians, visual and performing artists, dramatists, filmmakers, and others who have left an indelible impression on the cultural landscape of the United States.
Episodes (8)
1. Arthur Miller, Elia Kazan and the Blacklist
Aired 3 September 2003 • 90 min
The dispute between one of America's most influential playwrights and a respected movie director over actions taken during the "red scare" of the 1950s.
2. James Brown: Soul Survivor
Aired 29 October 2003 • 90 min
The highs and lows of the life of James Brown, the colorful and controversial "Godfather of Soul".
3. Cary Grant: A Class Apart
Aired 7 January 2004 • 90 min
“Eternally elegant” screen superstar Cary Grant (1904-86) is profiled. Included are clips from his films and interviews with ex-wife Betsy Drake and widow Barbara Grant. There are also comments from biographers and film critics, and costars Eva Marie Saint and Martin Landau. Helen Mirren is the narrator, and Jeremy Northam provides the voice of Grant.
4. Balanchine
Aired 14 January 2004 • 90 min
A retrospective on the life and work of George Balanchine, a founder of American ballet.
5. Judy Garland: By Myself
Aired 25 February 2004 • 90 min
A detailed examination of the celebrated vocalist's career, from her amazing successes to her self-doubts and personal problems.
6. Henry Luce and Time-Life's America: A Vision of Empire
Aired 28 April 2004 • 90 min
7. Hank Williams: Honky Tonk Blues
Aired 23 June 2004 • 90 min
The brief but impressive career of the man most responsible for defining what is modern "country music".
8. Julia! America's Favorite Chef
Aired 18 August 2004 • 57 min
Through an interview with Julia herself, filmed in her fabled kitchen, and rare images from the photo collection of Paul Child and from family photo albums, Julia Child is revealed as few have seen her before in this tribute and testament to a great American icon.