August 22, 1988

"The Ragman's Son" Remembers

Kirk Douglas says that growing up in abject poverty was an advantage: he had nowhere to go but up. Often known for his tough guy roles, he also enjoys playing men who are weak, lost and vulnerable. He started his own production company to make movies he believed had depth and substance. His new autobiography looks back on his career so far.

26:46

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Guest

Kirk Douglas

Host

Terry Gross

Other segments from the episode on August 22, 1988

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, August 22, 1988: Interview with Kirk Douglas; Review of Curtis Clark's album "Letter to South Africa"; Interview with William Novak; Review of the "American Masters"…

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August 22, 1988

06:39

Bebop that Bears a Personal Stamp

Pianist Curtis Clark, who moved to Amsterdam from the United States, assembled a quintet of diverse musicians of to record his new album, Letter to South Africa. Clark, jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says, is unique in how he treats radical ideas as normal.

Review

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August 22, 1988

09:52

Writing Celebrity Autobiographies

William Novak is the go-to ghostwriter for famous people who want to publish a memoir. He's best known for Lee Iacocca's autobiography. Novak is now working with First Lady Nancy Reagan.

Interview

William Novak

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August 22, 1988

03:33

Aretha Franklin: An "American Master"

The PBS series' latest episode is a documentary of the legendary soul singer. TV critic David Bianculli say the film gives viewers a chance to see rare interviews and concert footage, but glosses over much of Franklin's personal life.

Review

Transcript

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Transcripts are created on a rush deadline, and accuracy and availability may vary. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Please be aware that the authoritative record of Fresh Air interviews and reviews are the audio recordings of each segment.

He's currently co-starring in the A&E series 100 Centre St.. Arkin plays Judge Joe Rifking. Arkin began his career with Chicago's Second City improv group. He went on to win a Tony on Broadway, in Carl Reiner's play Enter Laughing, and to star in movies such as The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming, The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter, Wait Until Dark, Catch-22, and The In-Laws. Arkin's directing credits include The Sunshine Boys and Little Murders on Broadway, and several movies and TV shows, including an episode of the PBS comedy series, Trying Times.

Interview

Alan Arkin

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May 19, 2015

18:40

Elizabeth Banks On Success: 'You Don't Get What You Don't Ask For'

The Hunger Games actress and Pitch Perfect 2 director also runs her own production company. Her secret to success? "I raise my hand a lot," Banks tells Fresh Air's Ann Marie Baldonado.

Interview

Elizabeth Banks

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"The Ragman's Son" Remembers

Guest

Host

Related Topics

Other segments from the episode on August 22, 1988

Bebop that Bears a Personal Stamp

Writing Celebrity Autobiographies

Aretha Franklin: An "American Master"

Transcript

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