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ARTS
& LETTERS
GENERAL
ART 21: ART IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY
VCR No.4063, 1992, 240 mins.2 tapes. At the dawn of the 21st century, American artists
are taking self-expression and the artistic process into uncharted territory.
Using a variety of media and techniques, drawing on sources ranging from pop
culture and politics to ethnic heritage and classical models to deeply personal
life experiences, today's artists are engaging the world in vital and
surprising new ways. In an unprecedented look at the shape and direction of art
in contemporary FIVE AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTISTS: AMERICAN ART TODAYVCR No.4102 FREEDOM SPEAKS: ART CENSORSHIP VCR No.4121, 30 mins. PERFORMING
ARTS
DANCE
AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE IN Stars Natalia Makarova, Fernando Bujones, Cynthia Gregory, Kevin McKenzie
and the American Ballet Theatre Company. Includes "Airs" by Handel,
"Jardin Aux Lilas" by Chausson, pas de deux from Prokofiev's "Romeo
and Juliet," and Tchaikovsky's "
THE BALANCHINE CELEBRATION: PART ONE VCR No. 4044, 1996, 86 mins. PART ONE Featuring Darci
Kistler, Nilas Martins, Kyra Nichols, Isabelle Guerin and Zhanna Ayupova
Selections from Apollo, The Grand Ballroom Ballet, Vienna Waltzes, Union Jack,
Theme and Variations, Scherzo a la Russe, Square Dance, and Walpurgisnacht
Ballet.
BALANCHINE: SELECTIONS FROM JEWELS, STRAVINSKY VIOLIN CONCERTO VCR No. 4045, 1996, 56 mins.
BEYOND THE MAINSTREAM: POST MODERN DANCERS This film presents a cross-section of the works of Yvonne Rainer, David Gordon, Steve Paxton, and Trisha Brown, in representative dances with their companies, in solos, and in interviews. BILL T. JONES: DANCING TO THE PROMISED LAND VCR No.4055, 1994, 60 mins. Bill T. Jones is one of the most powerful forces in the Modern Dance world. His influences include Alvin Ailey, Martha Graham and Jose Limon, but his style is fresh and unique, creating contemporary classics known for their energy, innovative partnering and technical virtuosity. Built around rehearsal and performance of his epic masterpiece, Uncle tom's Cabin/The Promised Land, this film guides us through the life, work and creative process of Bill T. Jones and his extraordinary company. The choreographer himself is our charismatic host, offering penetrating insight into his style, and the piece that confronts some of the most sensitive and provocative issues of our time: Race, Faith, Gender and Sexuality." CHARLES WEIDMAN: ON HIS OWN The career of modern dance pioneer Charles Weidman (1901-1975) is traced
from his roots in THE CREATION OF OMO Breaking ballet's rules was the intention of four fine choreographers in DANCE IN Includes three pieces from "Jewels", and excerpts from "Emeralds," "Rubies," and "Diamonds." The concluding work is Stravinsky's "Violin Concerto." Dancers include Suzanne Farrell and Peter Martins. THE DANCE WORKS OF DORIS HUMPHREY, VOL. I: 'WITH MY RED FIRES,' AND 'NEW
DANCE' Two classic works of the modern dance repertoire, "New Dance" and "With My Red Fires" are reconstructed and performed by the American Dance Festival Company, assembled in the seventies to honor the great American choreographer Doris Humphrey (1885-1958). Doris Humphrey and George Balanchine are known as the great abstractionists of dance. Through her dancing, choreography and teaching, Humphrey influenced generations of dancers and choreographers. DENISHAWN: THE BIRTH OF MODERN DANCE VCR No.4051, 1988, 40 mins. Using elements of far and Middle Eastern dances to create abstract pieces
called musical visualizations, Ruth St. Denis and her husband Ted Shawn have
formed this legendary approach to modern dance. This historic dance documentary
tells the story of one of the least-publicized, yet most-influential modern
dance companies in DORIS HUMPHREY TECHNIQUE : THE CREATIVE POTENTIAL VCR No.4062, 1992, 47 mins. The Creative Potential. Features the 1934 film "Air for the G String" with Doris Humphrey, excerpts from a 1936 film on the Humphrey technique, and contemporary performances of three early Humphrey dances: "Quasi-Valse," "Two Ecstatic Themes," and "Etude Patetico." Hosted by Ernestine Stodelle, who illustrates falls, turns, breath rhythm, successional flow, leaps, circular swings, and leverage. AN EVENING WITH THE ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATRE Alvin Ailey's troupe perform four dynamic works: "Divining" evokes
a strong feeling of African tribal ritual, "Revelations" expresses
Ailey's intense feelings for his Southern roots, "The Stack-Up" is
set in FOUR BY AILEY: AN EVENING WITH THE ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN
DANCE THEATER VCR No.4058, 1997, 140 mins. In this brilliant studio recording the Alvin Ailey American
Dance Theater, the country's boldest and most exciting dance company, brings
its distinctive style home to you - dazzling, brash and dynamic, yet graceful
and poetic. Includes: Divining, Revelations, The Stack-Up, and Cry. GENE KELLY: IN PERFORMANCE AT THE WHITE HOUSE VCR No.1175, 1982, 60 mins. ISADORA DUNCAN: TECHNIQUE and REPERTORY DANCE VCR No. 4046, 1995, 86 mins. A demonstration of the technique of JOSE LIMON: THREE MODERN DANCE CLASSICS
VCR No. 4060, 1955-1957, 65 mins. [b/w] Limón (1908-1972) was a Mexican-American choreographer who
continues to be regarded as one of the modern dance world’s seminal creative
artists, known for his intense dramatic presence and the theatricality and
musicality of his dances. Here for the first time on video are three of
his most famous works with the original casts, filmed in their entirety for the
CBC in the 1950s. THE MOOR’S PAVANE (1949) is generally considered to be one of the great masterworks in the modern repertory. In the form of a Renaissance dance, Limón distills the legend of Othello into a taut, one-act human drama with music by Henry Purcell. Joining Limón are his close collaborators Lucas Hoving, Pauline Koner and Betty Jones. Telecast date: March 6, 1955 (21 minutes) THE TRAITOR (1954) was Limón’s response to the McCarthy hearings and the climate of betrayal that haunted the arts and entertainment fields during this period. Against a music score of violence, passion and tenderness (by Gunther Schuller), the tragedy of Judas is portrayed as if it were taking place in modern times. Telecast date: October 23, 1955 (19 minutes) THE EMPEROR JONES (1956) is based upon the
play by Eugene O’Neill wherein a fugitive from a chain gang sets himself
up as the ruler of an island domain. He becomes a tyrant, and his
mistreated subjects LIMON'S LEGACY Dancer-choreographer Jose Limon saw dance as a "vision of ineffable power" and his works reflected the grandeur of the human spirit. At his death in 1962, he left a great legacy of dances. Features segments of Limon's choreography. MARTHA GRAHAM: THREE CONTEMPORARY CLASSICS Showcases three ballets choreographed by modern dance pioneer Martha Graham, "Errand into the Maze," "Cave of the Heart," and "Acts of Light." MARTHA GRAHAM IN PERFORMANCE VCR No.4049, 1991, 54 mins. Dance Performances. Dancing. Dance. Martha Graham. A collection of three dance performances by Martha Graham and troupe including: A Dancer's World (1957,30 mins.) documentary. - "in this 30 minute Peabody Award winning film, Miss Graham and her company demonstrate the challenge and beauty of expression through movement. Developed during her European and Oriental tours, the format of the film exercises de style as the French call it, takes us into her dressing room, into the studio and into the spirit of dance itself." Directed and photographed by Peter Glushanok. Night Journey (1961, 30 mins.) Sophocles, Adaptations. Dance. Oedipus
Rex, dance adaptation. "is a retelling of the legend of Oedipus. Danced by
Miss Graham as Jocasta and featuring Paul Taylor as Tiresais and Bertram Ross
as Oedipus, the work has a score by William Schuman and setting by Isamu
Noguchi, the internationally renown sculptor and designer. Said Clive Barnes,
This film contains the essence of Graham and is among the tow or three
successful dance films ever made." Notes: Directed by Alexander Hammid. Appalachian Spring (1958, 30 mins.) "An American folk tale of a young pioneer, his bride, and a wandering revivalist preacher with a band of followers. The dance tells of the couple's wedding, the building of their home, the preachers dire sermon and the woman's gentle blessing as the couple begins a life in the wilderness. The Pulitzer Prize-winning score was composed by Aaron Copland, and the sets were designed by Isamu Noguchi. Photographed and directed by Peter Glushanok. MARTHA GRAHAM: THE DANCER REVEALED VCR No.4061, 1994, 60 mins. This documentary of the life and work of Martha Graham
include extracts from Acts of Light, Errand into the Maze, Frontier,
Appalachian Spring, Night Journey and other dances, along with comments by
Agnes de Mille, Erick Hawkins, Ron Protas and Martha Graham herself. Directed
by Catherine Tatge, narrated by Claire Bloom. MARY WIGMAN 1886-1973: WHEN THE FIRE DANCES BETWEEN TWO
POLES VCR No.4065, 1991, 41 mins. [b/w] Mary Wigman, the founder of German expressionist dance, retraces the story
of her life’s work with footage of her early work at the early MERCE CUNNINGHAM: A LIFETIME OF DANCE
VCR No. 4043, 2002, 90 mins. One of the most prominent figures in contemporary arts,
Merce Cunningham has performed and choreographed modern dance for fifty years.
Both daring and innovative, his explorations into the avant-garde have
captivated audiences, fascinated critics and inspired peers. American Masters
presents a dynamic look at the creative pioneer with Merce Cunningham: A Lifetime
of Dance. This in-depth profile explores Cunningham’s prolific career from his
earliest successes t recent works such as Occasion Piece, a collaboration with
Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Biped, a ground-breaking mix of computer technology
and dance. Featuring new and archival performance footage, the film also
includes exclusive interviews with dancers, collaborators and the master
himself.
Dancer and choreographer Murray Louis trained with Alwin Nikolais and has been associated with him throughout his career, performing and choreographing for his company2retracing even after forming his own dance company in the 1950's. This video documents his career as a dance soloist, giving viewers a wide range of his personal choreographic style. Includes excerpts from his dances "Deja Vu," "Chimera," "Junk Dances" and 10 others. PAUL TAYLOR’S SPEAKING IN TONGUES Dance In VCR No.4048, 1991, 54 mins. Choreography by Paul Taylor, The Paul Taylor Dance Company.Music by Matthew Patton ; reconceived for television by Paul Taylor, Matthew Diamond and Santo Loquasto. Elektra Nonesuch Dance Collection. POINTS IN SPACE VCR No.4064, 1986, 55 mins. This is the critically acclaimed collaboration for
the screen by choreographer Merce Cunningham, composer John Cage, and filmmaker
Elliot Caplan. The first half features BBC’s documentary: interviews with
Cunningham. Cage and members of the company, as well as scenes from rehearsals
in ROBERT SCHUMANN'S "DAVIDSBUNDLERTANZE" "Davidsbundlertanze," Robert Schumann's cycle of 18 short pieces
for piano, was composed in 1837 and choreographed by George Balanchine in 1980.
Features Suzanne Farrell and the TRIBUTE TO ALVIN AILEY VCR No.4066, 1990, 103 mins. [b/w] In this two-part program, members of Ailey's dance company
perform three works choreographed by Ailey himself, as well as a special ballet
tribute choreographed by Ulysses Dove. Each piece is introduced by Judith Jamison,
the dancer and choreographer whose career was nurtured to stardom by Ailey, and
who is now Artistic Director of the company. The Alvin Ailey Dance Theater is
uniquely eclectic in range, repertory, and style. As a choreographer, Ailey
explored the black experience and went beyond, finding universal human truths
in all his work. WORKS AND PROCESS: FIVE WITH DANCERS FROM THE VCR No. 3315, 1989, 28 mins. WORKS AND PROCESS: SUSAN MARSHALL AND CO. INTERIOR WITH
SEVEN FIGURE VCR No. 3317, 1989, 28 mins. WORKS AND PROCESS: EXCERPTS FROM BUM’S RUSH BY TWYLA
THARP VCR No. 3318, 1989, 28 mins. WORKS AND PROCESS: “GAZEBO DANCERS”: ALTERED STATES - THE JOFFREY BALLET VCR No. 3319, 1989, 27 mins. WORKS AND PROCESS: “DRACULA”: LES GRANDS BALLET
CANADIEN VCR No. 3320, 1989, 25 mins. WORKS AND PROCESS: “ VCR No. 3321, 1989, 28 mins. WORKS AND PROCESS: THE ELIZABETHAN PHRASING OF THE LATE
ALBERT AYLER – ARMITAGE BALLET VCR No. 3324, 1989, 28 mins. DRAMA
VCR No. 4040, 1996, 87 mins. A pair of crooks and their
young intern plot the theft of a valuable Buffalo-head nickel. Most of the
story takes place within the junky confines of Don Dubrow's second-hand store.
And most of the story focuses on the machinations of these well-drawn
characters who pro- vide fascinating insight into the criminal mind as they
ingeniously devise new ways to manipulate and aggravate each other. Based on a
1975 play by David Mamet. AMERICAN STAGE PLAYS SPECIALS: AMERICAN PLAYHOUSE - THE GHOSTWRITER An adaptation of Philip Roth's best-selling novel, "The
Ghostwriter." A young aspiring writer visits the peaceful ANDY WARHOL'S LAST LOVE The Squat Theatre, originally from ANTIGONE Based on their 1966 production, this is another version based on of Sophocles'
original play. This version presents Creon (Beck) as a vitriolic tyrant bent on
the destruction of AUGUST WILSON Pulitzer Prize winning playwright August Wilson talks about his life, his
personal black experience and his inspirations, with Bill Moyers at the THE BRIG; THE BRIG (1964, 66 mins.) is a modern inferno. It accurately records
misery of a U.S. Marine prison in
CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF
VCR No. 4034, 1958, 108 mins. Thrilling performances by Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor, and Burl Ives make
this adaptation of Tennessee Williams' story about a wealthy plantation owner
succumbing to cancer, one of the most acclaimed movies in history. A CHORUS LINE VCR No. 2892, 1988, 112 mins. In a Broadway theatre host of dancers wait and hope for a chance to perform in A Chorus Line. Only eight will succeed. Michael Douglas stars as Zach, the man who must make the final choice and decide their fate. A Chorus Line, Broadway’s longest running and most successful stage show is now one singular screen sensation. The stage show opened at New York’s Public Theatre in May 1975 and swiftly moved to the Schubert Theatre on Broadway and has remained there, playing to packed houses, ever since. A Chourus Line has won a Pulitzer Prize and nine Tony’s. THE CRUCIBLE VCR No. 4041, 1996, 123 mins. Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Winona Ryder,
Paul Scofield, Joan Allen, Based on a play by Arthur Miller. The setting 17th
century THE CONNECTION This was the breakthrough production that virtually created Off Broadway. The play within a play, written by Jack Gelber, was a break with realism that brought real life into the theater. Laced with a steamy jazz score by Charlie Parker, played live on stage throughout the play, it tells the seamy story of a group of Bohemians waiting for their "connection" -- the man with the heroin for their fix. All this is being recorded by an aspiring filmmaker as a "documentary." DEATH OF A SALESMAN VCR No.4068, 1985, 136 mins. CBS’s production of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, directed by Volker
Schlondorff, is a very effective presentation of the play. In this play, Miller
expounds on the troubled life of DINNER AT EIGHT VCR No. 2396, 1933, 107 mins. [b/w] George Cukor directs one of the most star-studded casts ever
assembled on screen at the same time in the 1933 classic, Dinner at Eight, a
dramatic comedy of low dealings in high society. Based on the Broadway hit by
George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber, the film delves into the manipulations of a EINSTEIN ON THE BEACH: ROBERT WILSON AND PHILIP GLASS EMERGENCY; SAVAGE LOVE! TONGUES EMERGENCY (29 mins.) Film by Gwen Brown, photographed by Albert
Maysles, Alan Raymond and Frank Simon. Edited by Dan Halas. Featuring Julian
Beck, Judith Malina and the Living Theatre Company. In 1968 the Living Theatre
returned to FRANKENSTEIN: VCR No.4003 GLENGARRY GLENROSS VCR No. 4039, 1992, 100 mins. Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin and Ed Harris shine in this
powerful story set in the world of real estate. Times are tough at Premiere
Properties. Shelley “the machine” Levene (Lemmon) and Dave Moss (Harris) are
veteran salesmen, but only Ricky Roma (Pacino) is on a hot streak. The new
Glengarry sales leads could turn everything around, but the front office is
holding them back until these “losers” prove themselves. Then someone decides
to take matters into his own hands, stealing the Glengarry leads and leaving
everyone wondering who did it. Featuring superb performances from its all-star
cast, Glengarry Glen Ross is a riveting tale of desperation and betrayal based
on David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play. GOING ON: CHAIKIN DOCUMENTARY VCR No. 4000, 1982, 60 mins.
LONG DAY’S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT VCR No. 4036, 1962, 2 pts.180 mins. [b/w] Performances by Katharine Hepburn as the mother ravaged by drug
addiction. Sir Ralph Richardson as the embittered alcoholic father and Jason Robards, Jr. and Dean Stockwell as the maladjusted brothers,
transform Eugene O’Neill’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, Long Day’s
Journey Into Night, into one of America’s most stunning film achievements. MYSTERIES: THE PLAGUE; TERMINAL; OUT OF THE BOX; MYSTERIES: THE PLAGUE (Living Theatre, 1968, 30 mins.) TERMINAL (The Open Theatre, 1970, 30 mins.) OUT OF THE BOX (1987, 60 mins.) RED THROATS (David Cale, 1986, 60 mins.) Videofilmed by Sheldon Rochlin, this collective creation directed by Julian
Beck and Judith Maline blurs the line between political action, psychotherapy,
tribal ritual and experimental theater. Director Fortnight Selection at PAUL ZALOOM: HOUSE OF HORROR ; SQUAT THEATRE: DREAMLAND BURNS SIGNALS THROUGH THE FLAMES - THE LIVING THEATRE Signals Through the Flames is the odyssey of the Living Theatre. A good
introduction to their work and goals, this documentary follows the nomadic
movements of the Becks around the world after they go into self-imposed exile
following the closing of their A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE VCR No. 4188, 1951, 125 mins. Set in the French Quarter of New Orleans
during the restless years following World War Two, A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE is
the story of Blanche DuBois, a fragile and neurotic woman on a desperate prowl
for someplace in the world to call her own. After being exiled from her
hometown of TRUMAN CAPOTE'S "A CHRISTMAS MEMORY" A filmed dramatization of author Truman Capote's heartwarming tale of Christmas memories with a favorite cousin - a story of his youth in the rural South during the Depression. Geraldine Page plays the slightly eccentric but loving "cousin" who adores the Christmas holiday and the rituals associated with it. Capote narrates and is featured as a young boy of eight who marvels at his cousin's preparations and helps her in realizing a special Christmas. WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? VCR No. 4038, 1966, 131 mins. [b/w] Edward Albee's astounding journey into the hell of a stormy marriage blazes with powerhouse performances by Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, George Segal and Sandy Dennis. Five Academy Awards(R). WORKS AND PROCESS: DISCOVERING MAHABHARATA: AN EVENING WITH
P. BROCK/ J. CARRIERE VCR No. 3325, 1989, 28 mins. FILM
ALL ABOUT EVE VCR No. 2935, 1950, 138 mins. [b/w] The trouble with being at the top of your profession is that
there’s always someone at the bottom who wants noting more than to knock you
down. So Bette Davis discovers when conniving but ever-so-sweet Anne Baxter
arrives on the Broadway scene. How Baxter schemes her way to the top makes for
very absorbing entertainment. Winner of four Oscars. AMERICAN CINEMA Using clips from more than 300
of the greatest movies ever made, this series explores film history and
American culture through the eyes of over 150 THE In the classical THE STUDIO SYSTEM
(VCR No. 4134) This program surveys THE STAR (VCR
No. 4135) Greta Garbo, Cary
Grant, Dustin Hoffman — these among many others are names synonymous with THE WESTERN
(VCR No. 4136) The western is an
American myth that has been translated by other cultures and reinterpreted time
and again, but never dies. With clips and critical commentary on westerns from
John Ford's Stagecoach through the work of Arthur Penn, Sam Peckinpah, and
Clint Eastwood, the program traces the aesthetic evolution of the genre as well
as its sociological importance. ROMANTIC COMEDY
(VCR No. 4137) Breezy and silly to
witty and intelligent, romantic comedies have been with us since the 1930s. But
the surface humor has often just barely masked issues of gender and sexuality.
This program looks back on screwball comedies including It Happened One Night
and His Girl Friday. Directors James Brooks and Nora Ephron present
interpretations of the genre that reveal the underlying social and
psychological messages. THE COMBAT FILM
(VCR No. 4138) Beginning with World
War II combat films - produced under directives from the federal government -
this program examines the role of the combat film in filling a social and
political need. Critics and directors describe the evolution of these films,
the rise of the FILM NOIR (VCR
No. 4139) These cynical and
pessimistic films from the 1930s and '40s touched a nerve in Americans.
Historians link the genre's overriding paranoia to Cold War-related angst over
the nuclear threat and the FILM IN THE TELEVISION AGE (VCR No. 4140) Television first
arrived in American homes just as the THE FILM SCHOOL GENERATION (VCR No. 4141) Maverick filmmakers of
the 1960s and '70s, including Brian DePalma, Martin Scorsese, and Steven
Spielberg, capitalized on new technology and borrowed from classical THE EDGE OF While many of the old
rules are still in force, independent filmmakers today often add their
dissenting voices to the forum. This program looks at some alternative visions
from new talents including Spike Lee, Joel and Ethan Coen, Jim Jarmusch, and
Quentin Tarantino. With limited budgets, they are challenging the stylistic
status quo of the FILM LANGUAGE
(VCR No. 4143) "Film
Language" illustrates basic terms such as tracking shots and zooms and
also provides a primer on editing technique. WRITING AND THINKING ABOUT FILM (VCR No. 4144) "Writing and
Thinking About Film" provides a formal and cultural analysis of a
classical film sequence. It serves as a critical how-to guide for those new to
film critique. CLASSICAL "Classical
Hollywood Today" offers interviews with contemporary directors, European
filmmakers, scholars, and critics, as well as studio-era veterans who probe AMERICAN CINEMA: THE WESTERN With historical references to the real frontier West, the filmed Western is traced, using film clips, from the days of Bronco Billy and Tom Mix through the heyday of such classics as "High Noon" to "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." THE AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD SERIES Since 1973, the American Film Institute's Annual Award has honored individuals who contributed to the enrichment of American culture through their accomplishments in motion pictures and TV, and whose work has withstood the test of time. Includes: JOHN HUSTON (VCR No. 2261-H) AFI LIFE ACHIEVEMENTS AWARD: JAMES STEWART “THE APARTMENT” VCR No. 2831, 1960, 119 mins. [b/w] A lonely, ambitious clerk in a BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI VCR No. 2684, 1957, 161 mins. Captured by the Japanese, British soldiers are forced to
build a railway bridge across the River Kwai. Starring William Holden, Jack
Hawkins, and Alec Guinness. Winner of seven Academy Awards, including Best
picture. DARK VICTORY VCR No. 2969, 1939, 100 mins. [b/w] In this tour de force,
Bette Davis portrays a FIRST WORKS This series offers unique interviews with some of Cassette #1: KRAMER VS. KRAMER VCR No. 2768, 1979, 105 mins. Kramer vs. Kramer is the box-office smash that garnered 5
Oscars including Best Picture, Best Actor for Dustin Hoffman and Best
Supporting Actress for Meryl Streep. It’s a story of contemporary
relationships, values and choices. Returning home late from work one night, a
career-obsessed Ted Kramer (Hoffman) is told by his wife, Joanna (Streep), that
she is leaving him. After a lifetime of being “somebody’s daughter or
somebody’s wife”, she’s going off to find herself – leaving Ted to care for
their six-year-old son. Ted, while trying to hold down his job, gets to really
know his son as few fathers do: cooking his meals, taking him to the park,
understanding every need and fear. Fpor the first time in his life he feels
like a fulfilled parent. But then Joanna returns. And she wants her son back. LEAN ON ME VCR No. 2910, 1989, 104 mins. Lean on Me is the rousing, fact-based story of high school
principal Joe Clark, who armed himself with a bullhorn and a Lousville Slugger
and slammed the door on losers at Eastside High in Paterson, New Jersey.
Brought in as a last hope to save the school, he chained the doors shut to keep
troublemakers out and strivers in. Parents fought him. Teachers fought him. But
lots of kids loved him. THE LITTLE FOXES VCR No. 2934, 1941, 116 mins. [b/w] Bette Davis gives an unforgettable performance as Regina
Giddens, a vicious woman who destroys everyone around her while trying to
satisfy her desire for wealth and social position. Adapted from Lillian
Hellman’s prizewinning play and superbly directed by William Wyler, “The Little
Foxes” was nominated for 9 Academy Awards. RACE MOVIES: THE POPULAR ART OF THE BLACK RENAISSANCE This video uses rare footage to document silent films which challenged social assumption of the times. The films examined include "Scar of Shame," and "Birth of a Race," produced as a challenge to the racist assumptions purveyed in "Birth of a Nation." STAGEFRIGHT An essay-film on language and theater, and finally the whole
ball of wax, intellectual in content, "Stagefright" is delivered in
purely poetic terms. Jon Jost, with Shaum Lawton, Anton Rattinger, Barbara
Beutler, Ilene Winckler, and Judy Pyanowski.
SOPHIE’S CHOICE VCR No. 2751, 1982, 150 mins. There is a time in a young person’s life when unusual events
pull him beyond his own limited experience, and new people open him to the
world beyond the protective embrace of family and neighbors. Such time is
recalled by Stingo, the narrator of William Styron’s acclaimed novel “Sophie’s
Choice.” For him it was the summer of 1947, when MUSIC
AN AMERICAN IN VCR No. 2686, 1951, 109 mins. The film is a charming love story. Jerry, an ex-G.I. (Kelly), has stayed in AMERICAN CULTURAL MASTERS Legendary figures in American music and cultural life are showcased in this 12-part series of mostly hour long programs. Using film and concert footage, vintage photographs, and interviews, this series shows the special contributions these individuals have made to world culture. GLENN MILLER: AMERICAN ROOTS MUSIC VCR No.4057, 2001, 60 mins. each. 4 tapes. "American Roots Music"
is a landmark 4 episode, documentary series featuring historic and contemporary
footage of many of the 20th century’s pioneering artists, including
Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers, Bill Monroe, BB King, Muddy Waters, Son House,
Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, Thomas Dorsey, Staple Singers, Clifton Chenier,
Flaco Jimenez and many more. Like Episode One: When First Unto This
Country ANCHORS AWEIGH VCR No. 2890, 1945, 144 mins. They’re song and dance; they’re Sinartra and Kelly; and they’re the co-stars
in this non-stop musical hit that first entertained and enthralled movie-goers
back in 1945. Frank and Gene play a couple of sailors on a four-day pass who
meet up with a Hollywood “extra” – played by Kathryn Grayson. Miss Grayson
wants to be a star and the naval buddies decide to help and that’s the movie’s
cue for action. Song, dance, laughter and romance are all here in the best
tradition of a
Some of the best opera divas of this century performed in this 1967 concert. Four superstar sopranos (Leontyne Price, Brigit Nilsson, Joan Sutherland and Renata Tebaldi) converged on the same stage to offer a selection of arias by Wagner, Verdi, Puccini, Cilea, Delibes, Mascagni, Ponchielli and Ricci. BENNY GOODMAN: ADVENTURES IN THE VCR No.4047, 2000, 60 mins. A swinging biography of the king who
helped BLACK MUSIC IN VCR No.2101, 1987, 30 mins.
Produced and directed by Harley Coklis, this program portrays the roots of the Chicago Blues tradition and how this music of the African-American urban poor was forged. After World War II, this specifically Chicago Blues style emerged, variously known as Urban Blues, City Blues or Northern Blues. Clips of performances by renowned performers are featured, and these performers talk about their music and its roots. DUKE ELLINGTON and HIS ORCHESTRA (1929-1943) VCR No.4050, 1991, 55 mins. Selection from several short and feature length films. Includes: Blank and Tan (1929), Check and Double Check (1930), Symphony in Black (1934), Paramount Pictorial No. 889 (1937), The Hit Parade of 1937 , Duke Ellington and His Orchestra (1943). This tape gives a vivid picture of the musical evolution of one of the finest composers of the century.
VCR No.1838, 1933, 89 mins. Set during the depression, this is the granddaddy of
backstage musicals in which the understudy finally gets a chance to shine. It
may seem a little cliché now, but in 1933 this was hot stuff. All that
behind-the-scenes atmosphere feels very genuine, and the script is more acerbic
than you might expect. A sickly Julian Marsh (Warner Baxter) puts his all into
what may be his last show, only to face a disaster when leading lady Dorothy
Brock (Bebe Daniels) sprains her ankle. Thank heavens for ingénue Peggy Sawyer
(Ruby Keeler), who steps in at the last minute. The vivacious soundtrack
includes "Shuffle off to GIGI VCR No. 2754, 1958, 111 mins. Any film that wins ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Has to have
something very special. “Gigi” has the captivating Leslie Caron, the
irrepressible Maurice Chevalier and a magnificent musical score. Based on
Colette’s story of a tomboy who blossoms into a sophisticated young lady in
turn-of-the-century THE JAZZ SINGER VCR No. 2980, 1927, 86 mins. [b/w] Generally considered the
first sound feature, this 1927 film is pretty much silent except for a few
lines of dialogue and Al Jolson's songs. The story finds Jolson playing the son
of a cantor who wants him to follow in his footsteps, but the singer prefers
secular music. Except for its historical value, the film isn't all that
interesting, though it is great to get a sense of why people considered Jolson
to be a hugely exciting entertainer at the time. JOHN COLTRANE: THE COLTRANE LEGACY John Coltrane, the legendary saxophonist, is highlighted in this compilation of rare clips taken from various international TV specials. Candid interviews with Reggie Workman, Elvin Jones and Jimmy Cobb unravel the complex web of mystery which surrounds Coltrane, one of the great musicians of our time. KEITH JARRETT: STANDARDS II VCR No.4053, 1987, 91 mins The Keith Jarrett Trio (Gary Peacock, Jack DeJohnette) in concert recorded
at the 1986 performance in LES GIRLS VCR No. 2749, 1957, 97 mins. Sadly for movie musical fans, “Les Girls” was to be the last score written
for a film by the brilliant Cole Porter. But combined with direction by George
Cukor and starring Gene Kelly, Kay Kendall, Mitzi Gaynor and Taina Elg, it was
to be a swansong and dance sensation. From beginning to end the story mixes
comedy with drama and love with laughter as it follows the exploits of a trio
of dancing girls and their impresario as they tour across MARIAN ANDERSON Narrated by actor Avery Brooks, this informative documentary covers the
groundbreaking career of singer Marian Anderson. The video traces her
development as a singer, beginning with her early concert appearances in THE MASTRO TOSCANINI MEET VCR No. 2889, 1944, 110 mins. It’s Judy Garland as the Classic American Teenager; in love,
in song, in one of the brightest hours of her career. “Meet Me in VCR No. 2891, 1955, 134 mins. The hit Broadway musical from the 1940s gets a lavish if not
always exciting workout in this 1955 film version directed by old lion Fred
Zinnemann (High Noon). Gordon MacRae brings his sterling voice to the role of
cowboy Curly, and Shirley Jones plays Laurie, the object of his affection. The
Rodgers and Hammerstein score includes "The Surrey with the Fringe on
Top," "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'," and "People Will Say
We're in Love," and Agnes DeMille provides the buoyant choreography. Among
the supporting cast, Gloria Grahame is memorable as Ado Annie, the "girl
who cain't say no," and Rod Steiger overdoes it as the villainous Jud.
REFLECTIONS: LEONARD BERNSTEIN Leonard Bernstein discusses his life and music -- subjects range from childhood influences and his rise as a conductor to insights into the creative process. Includes photographs, excerpts of his early works for TV, and film sequences of rehearsals and performances. ON STAGE AT THE WOLFTRAP: THE PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND VCR No.4097 SATCHMO: LOUIS ARMSTRONG
VCR No. 4059, 1989, 87 mins. This film is the most diverse and comprehensive portrait yet
of Louis Armstrong. SATCHMO pieces together his fascinating career and
personality through never-before-seen home videos, classic performances,
excerpts from movies including
SOLO TRIBUTE: KEITH JARRETT The 100th Performance in VCR No.4052, 1987, 102 mins. The setlist: The Night We Called It A Day, I Love You, Things Ain't What They Used To Be, Sound ,I Loves You Porgy, There Is No Greater Love, Round About Midnight, Solar ,Then I'll Be Tired Of You, Sweet And Lovely, The Wind,Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me, I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good, Summertime. SOPHISTICATED LADIES With its three dozen Duke Ellington songs, including "Take The A Train," "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," "I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good," "Mood Indigo" and of course, "Sophisticated Lady," the show is non-stop powerhouse of singing and dancing with the energy only a live performance can elicit. SOUTH PACIFIC VCR No. 2970, 1958, 145 mins. One of the most enduring of all Rodgers and Hammerstin
musicals combining brilliant colour photography and Hawaiian locations with the
stories of James Michener and some of the most tuneful songs of all time.
Wealthy French planter Rossano Brazzi and navy nurse Mitzi Gaynor play out one
romance, lieutenant John Kerr and native girl France Nuyen the other. Juanita
Hall (“Happy Talk”) repeats the famous role of Bloody Mary she first created on
the Broadway stage. TRUMPET KINGS Host Wynton Marsalis takes us through the stages of the development of the jazz trumpet, beginning with Dixieland and covering swing, be-bop, cool, fusion and modern jazz. The original performance clips were filmed and videotaped over 45 years. WEST SIDE STORY VCR No. 2760, 1961, 147 mins. “ WORKS AND PROCESS: VCR No. 3316, 1989, 28 mins. WORKS AND PROCESS: “NIXON IN VCR No. 3323, 1989, 28 mins. WORKS AND PROCESS: “THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MALCOLM X” THE VCR No. 3322, 1989, 28 mins. ZYDECO GUMBO The music of Louisiana Black Creole culture comes to life in this program.
Popular Zydeco performers in MILLENNIUM EVENINGS AT THE WHITE HOUSE VCR No. 4178, 1997, 60 mins. Millennium Evenings at the White House are a series of
lectures and cultural showcases hosted by the President and First Lady that
highlight creativity and inventiveness through our ideas, art and scientific
discoveries. Millennium Evenings are a program of the White House Millennium
Council, which the President and Mrs. Clinton created in 1997 to harness the
millennial spirit and commemorate this unique time in history. JAZZ: AN EXPRESSION OF DEMOCRACY In this Millennium Evening, “Jazz: An Expression of Democracy,” the President and Mrs. Clinton host renowned jazz musicians, scholars and a seventeen-piece jazz band. The discussion is led by Grammy award-winning artist Wynton Marsalis and celebrated jazz pianist Marian McPartland, who explain how the development of this unique American art form reflects the make-up of our democracy. Throughout the discussion are musical selections by artists such as Diane Reeves and Billy Taylor. THE UNQUIET LIBRARY The Library of Congress's activities involve much more than books. For over a century, the Library of Congress has been involved in preserving musical texts, hosting chamber music concerts and commissioning new works by promising American composers. One of the most famous commissions was for composer Aaron Copland to create in 1944 the musical score for a new Martha Graham ballet, "Appalachian Spring". Historic stills, footage and an interview with Copland chronicle this historic event. VIDEO ART
ART OF MEMORY VCR No.3858-H, 1958, 93 mins. [b/w] An experiment with political and religious forms by acclaimed video artist Woody Vasulka in which documentary images of WW II, the Spanish Civil War and the Russian Revolution appear against vistas of Southwestern landscapes providing an authenticity encouraging views to synthesize their own experiences. With this sound and image panorama, Vasulka skillfully presents his vision through manipulation of advanced video technology. THE BEST OF WILLIAM WEGMAN William Wegman is one of the art world's most affable subversives. Difficult to catagorize, he is perhaps best known as the video artist who stole into the modernist academy in the early '70's and shattered its sober facade with a sequence of hilarious tapes starring himself and a canine confederate. This survey of Wegman's vignettes from 1970 to 1978 includes "Duet," "Milk Floor Piece," "Stomach Song," "Two Lamps," "Pocket Bookman," "Duodorant," "Massage Chair," and "Spelling Lesson."
DANIEL REEVES VIDEO RETROSPECTIVE VOLUME 1: SMOTHERING DREAMS; THOUSANDS
WATCH SMOTHERING DREAMS (23 mins.) An autobiographical reflection on the
Vietnam War based on Daniel Reeves own experiences. With dramatic re-enactments
of the ambush of Reeves' platoon in 1969, and of childhood memories, the video
is a collage of childhood dreams of battle and adult nightmares of the
atrocities of war.
GARY HILL: Video and mixed media artist Gary Hill has received numerous grants and fellowships, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Rockefeller Video Artist Fellowship, and three National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships. FULL CIRCLE (1978, 3 mins.) originally entitled "Ring
Modulation," sets up a paradoxical circumstance wherein a performer
attempts to overcome the 'matter' of difference between (copper) metal and
(green phosphor) electronic signals.
VISUAL ARTS
BLACK ARTISTS OF THE An overview of African-American artists and their works from the 18th to the
20th centuries. The Harlem Renaissance, the Federal Art Project, and the civil
rights movement all helped advance African-American art into the mainstream of
American art. CHIHULY: Biomorphic glass forms floating down a Finnish river, transparent green and
amethyst spears leaning against ancient Irish dolmens, exotic iridescent
blossoms blooming in a Mexican factory, and an extravaganza of faceted crystal
reaching upward in the CHIHULY: WORKING WITH LINO TAGLIAPIETRA In 1988, Dale Chihuly invited Italian glass master Lino Tagliapietra to collaborate with him on an audacious new glass series called the Venetians. Together, with the stunning use of bold color combinations, new asymmetrical forms, and extra-ordinarily large scale, they redefined the possibilities of what could be made in contemporary glass. Having achieved success at that challenge, Chihuly decided to go small, inventing Piccolo Venetians, in order to work faster and experiment with color and form more easily. Chihuly Working with Lino Tagliapietra brings you into the hotshop to witness Lino interpreting Chihuly’s drawings into art glass, and Lino’s work inspiring new ideas for more drawings and more glass. The marriage of Lino’ s traditional glass vessels with Chihuly’s eccentricity in the form of coils, snouts, flowers, wraps, and handles makes this series unique. The process gives a rare insight into the collaborative workings of one of the most prolific and creative art glass studios in the world. CHIHULY: NIIJIMA FLOATS The creative process, Chihuly style, is the theme of this
video. Filmed on location, on a small rocky island 10 hours by ferry out of CHIHULY: ATLANTIS The challenge of creating sculpture that is dazzling yet approachable, and
set in paradise, provided Dale Chihuly an opportunity of a lifetime. Enter this
world, the Atlantis
resort on CHIHULY OVER Chihuly and his team travel from their studio in
“DANCE NOISE” AT THE WHITNEY BIENNALE FOCUS ON PHOTOGRAPHY Guides viewers through the technical and artistic evolution of photography as a means of expression and exploration. FOUR AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHERS: ROBERT MADDEN, TED HOROWITZ, REBECCA BLAKE
AND JERRY UELSMANN A profile of four photographers: Robert Madden, a photojournalist for the
National Geographic magazine; Ted Horowitz, a photographer for corporations;
Rebecca Blake, a KINDRED SPIRITS - CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN-AMERICAN ARTISTS Famed poet, dramatist and educator Maya Angelou introduces this documentary that celebrates in contemporary forms the cultural past of African-Americans. A group of painters and sculptors, including Charles Searles, Bessie Harvey and Jean Lacy, discuss their work. They are linked, not by their work, but by what they feel is their creative wellspring: their African heritage. MARY CASSATT: A BRUSH WITH VCR No. 4042, 2002, 57 mins. As a young woman, Mary Cassatt left THE Shows abstract expressionism as it was developed by an unusual group of
painters who worked mainly in THE ORIGINALS - WOMEN IN ART SERIES FRANKENTHALER: TOWARD A NEW CLIMATE (VCR No. 2576-H, 30 mins.) GEORGIA O'KEEFFE (VCR No. 2575-H, 60 mins.) NEVELSON IN PROCESS (VCR No. 2577-H, 30 mins.) STEICHEN: A CENTURY IN PHOTOGRAPHY A profile of Edward Steichen, one of the foremost photographers of the 20th
century. This program looks at his influence on all forms of photography, from
portraiture to advertising illustration. He was appointed Director of
Photography at the LITERATURE
AMERICAN AUTHORS The 19th century literary world in the JACK THE AMERICAN SHORT STORY Includes: Bernice Bobs Her Hair, Soldier’s Home, The Displaced Person THE AUTHORS: EMILY DICKINSON THE AUTHORS: HENRY JAMES THE AUTHORS: HERMAN MELVILLER BARN BURNING William Faulkner's tale of a young man in the rural deep South who is torn between his sense of right and wrong, winning his father's approval and his loyalty to fellow sharecroppers victimized by the landlord's tyranny. BLACK AMERICAN LITERATURE Part of a series of lectures featuring distinguished scholars discussing important aspects of American literature. The content and level of this VCR are particularly suited to college or university continuing education programs. CANNERY ROW A screen adaptation of John Steinbeck’s novel about the characters living on
THE DISPLACED PERSON VCR No. 4206, 2001, 58 mins. Flannery O'Connor is a writer with a keen sense of observation for the subtle cruelty that comes from fear of the unknown. The case in point is "The Displaced Person." Set in Georgia during the late 1940's, the "displaced person" is a Polish refugee (Mr. Guizac) who's relocated by a priest (John Houseman) to work on Mrs. McIntyre's (Irene Worth) farm. Quickly the industrious and clever Mr. Guizac becomes a threat to the other farmworkers. Soon all are plotting Mr. Guizac's downfall until fate unexpectedly takes a hand in deciding this outsider's destiny & and ultimately everyone's tragedy. Two-time Oscar-winning screenwriter Horton Foote crafts the screenplay in this powerful and shocking story. EDGAR ALLAN POE: LITERATURE OF MELANCHOLY ERNEST HEMINGWAY: GRACE UNDER PRESSURE EVENING EXCHANGE: JAMES BALDWIN Two leading professors of English analyze James Baldwin and show footage of this great Afro-American writer talking about his writings, his inspirations and his father. GONE WITH THE WIND VCR No.1841, 1939, 220 mins. This classic romance of the American Civil War is based on
the novel by Margaret Mitchell. The unforgettable Scarlet O’Hara survives the
Civil War, but finally loses the only man she loves. Starring Clark Gable,
Vivien Leigh, Leslie Howard and Olivia de Havilland.
For more than a century,
Captures the African-American experience in the 1920's and 1930's through vignettes of poetry by Countee Cullen, Waring Cuney, Georgia Douglas Johnson, Fenton Johnson, W.E.B. Du Bois, and excerpts from Langston Hughes's "Dream Variations" and "The Weary Blues." OF HUMAN BONDAGE VCR No. 2936, 1934, 83 mins. [b/w] Bette Davis catapulted to stardom with her unforgettable
performance as the sluttish Mildred in this classic screen version of W.
Somerset Maugham’s timeless tragedy of a young doctor’s obsessive,
self-destructive love for a tawdry I’M A FOOL: SHERWOOD ANDERSONE (THE AMERICAN SHORT STORY) LANGSTON HUGHES A comprehensive biography of the Poet Laureate of Harlem. This program offers excellent examples of the work of African-American poet Langston Hughes, one of the most prolific writers of our time. THE LANNAN LITERARY SERIES The Poetry Center of San Francisco State University presents major poets and writers who give "concerts" of their work. These readings on videotape are the largest and most diverse of their kind in the world. Part of their collection, The Lannan Literary Series features: CZESLAW MILOSZ (VCR No. 3708-H, 60 mins.) LUCILLE
THE LAST LEAF From the pages of an O. Henry classic short story, this program offers an
excellent example of his trademark twist ending. It is a bitter-sweet lesson of
how a young girl is saved by the brave actions of an unlikely hero. In the late
18th century when medical science was still in its infancy, a deadly strain of
pneumonia stalks the narrow streets of THE MAN THAT CORRUPTED HADLEYBURG A dramatization of Mark Twain's short story. Hadleyburg's small town self-righteousness is torn away when a visiting stranger concocts a scheme to test the honesty of the leading citizens. MAXINE HONG An intimate portrait of the groundbreaking Chinese-American author, Maxine
Hong Kingston, considered the "Alice Walker" of Asian-American
writers. She has mentored and influenced the current generation of
Asian-American writers, many of whom are interviewed. Her first novel,
"The Woman Warrior," shocked the THE
SCARLET LETTER
VCR No. 4035, 1995, 135 mins. Sexy Demi Moore (Disclosure, Indecent
Proposal) heats up this powerfully sensual story of illicit love! In a time
when adultery is punishable by death, Hester Prynne (
Thorton Wilder's award-winning play gives a poignant portrayal of love, life, and death in a small American town. Stars Hal Holbrook, Barbara Bel Geddes, and John Houseman. UNDER THE BILTMORE CLOCK Based on “Myra Meets His Family “ a story by F. Scott Fitzgerald. VISIONS OF THE SPIRIT - A PORTRAIT OF ALICE WALKER This intimate portrait of Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Alice Walker explores the compassion, insight and strength that have made her one of the most admired women in the U.S. Filmed at Walker's California home, the program explores the roots of her Southern African-American feminist consciousness through in-depth conversations with literary scholar, Barbara Christian, who places Walker in the history of African- American literature. AMERICAN PASSAGES: A LITERARY SURVEY American Passages: A Literary Survey is a 16-part American literature course. The video programs, print guides, and Web site place literary movements and authors within the context of history and culture. The course takes an expanded view of American literary movements, bringing in a diversity of voices and tracing the continuity among them. The materials, which are coordinated with the Norton Anthology of American Literature, can be used as the basis of a one or two-semester college-level course or for teacher professional development. Web site available at: http://www.learner.org/amerpass/ Pt. 1 and 2, VCR No. 4169 1. Native Voices 2. Exploring Borderlands Pt. 3 and 4, VCR No. 4170 3. Utopian Promise 4. Spirit of Nationalism Pt. 5 and 6, VCR No. 4171 5. Masculine Heroes 6. Gothic Undercurrents Pt. 7 and 8, VCR No. 4172 7. Slavery and Freedom 8. Regional Realism Pt. 9 and 10, VCR No. 4173 9. Social Realism 10. Rhythms in Poetry Pt. 11 and 12, VCR No. 4174 11. Modernist Portraits 12. Migrant Struggle Pt. 13 and 14, VCR No. 4175 13. Southern Renaissance 14. Becoming Visible Pt. 15 and 16, VCR No. 4176 15. Poetry of Liberation 16. Search for Identity MILLENNIUM EVENINGS AT THE WHITE HOUSE VCR No. 4177, 1997, 60 mins. Millennium Evenings at the White House are a series of
lectures and cultural showcases hosted by the President and First Lady that
highlight creativity and inventiveness through our ideas, art and scientific
discoveries. Millennium Evenings are a program of the White House Millennium
Council, which the President and Mrs. Clinton created in 1997 to harness the
millennial spirit and commemorate this unique time in history. POETS LAUREATE: THE AMERICAN VOICE IN POETRY
In this
Millennium Evenings “The American Voice in Poetry,” the President and Mrs.
Clinton host present and past Poets Laureate of the
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