Scott Tucker of the Lavender Left, director of the Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force Rita Addessa, and Women Against Violence Against Women Member Peggy O'Donnell address the controversy behind William Friedkin's film Cruising, which stars Al Pacino as an undercover cop infiltrating the gay S&M scene in New York. The guests take a close look at the film's exaggerated and dehumanizing portrayal of gay people and discuss their planned protests. Fresh Air listeners call in with their questions and comments.
Actor, singer, and dancer Donald O'Connor is best known for this role in the film Singin' in the Rain. He talks about the making of that movie, the changing tastes in musical films, and the off-screen work he pursues to sustain his career.
Red Rodney honed his skills as a trumpet player in Philadelphia. Later, he joined Charlie Parker's band. He tells Fresh Air host Terry Gross about kicking his heroin habit and the kinds of jobs he takes to make a career in music.
John D. Case was a prison warden based in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He worked to improve the prison system through better training and pay for prison employees and an emphasis on inmate rehabilitation. He also advocates for the repealing of laws which he feels lead to unnecessary prison sentences.
Poet and playwright Sonia Sanchez discusses teaching young writers, her experiences as an African American woman, and her appreciation and critique of white feminist movements.
Actor Meinhardt Raabe tells Terry Gross about his experiences as a little person, how he earned a living in carnivals and circuses, and what it was like to portray a Munchkin in the film The Wizard of Oz.
Sociologist Ann H. Beuf explores the reasons for the negative experiences children have in hospitals in her new book, Biting Off the Bracelet. She tells Fresh Air host Terry Gross about how the expectations of hospitalized children often conflict with positive ideas off child rearing.
Deirdre English is an investigative journalist for Mother Jones magazine. She discusses her problems with the film Apocalypse Now, violence against women, pornography and the cultural impact of feminism.
In light of the holiday season, Terry Gross talks with a reverend and a rabbi about their faith traditions and the role of religion in their lives and culture.
Philadelphia-based food critic Elaine Tait talks about her trade and recent service and food trends in area restaurants. Fresh Air listeners call in with their questions.
In light of the Iran Hostage Crisis, the Department of Justice is considering requiring all Iranian students in the U.S. to report to the I.N.S. The American Civil Liberties Union has filed suit in response. A.C.L.U. executive director Ira Glasser explains how checks on government help protect constitutional rights.
Alvin Epstein and Martha Schlamme have teamed up to perform cabaret songs by Kurt Weill. They talk about how they came to work together, along with the difficulties of translating Weill's lyrics from the original German.
Al Fraser co-wrote Dizzy Gillespie's autobiography. He tells Terry Gross about the interviews he conducted with iconic jazz musicians during his research.
Michael Korda recalls his memory of his uncle, filmmaker Sir Alexander Korda. He and Terry Gross later talk about the current state of book publishing.
Writer and cartoonist Jules Feiffer recently published a novel called Tantrum, which follows the story of a middle-aged father who becomes a two-year-old. He shares his take on the culture of the 1970s and writing the screenplay of the upcoming Popeye film.
Writer Christopher Cerf co-edited a humorous speculative history called The 80s, which anticipates what happens in the coming decade. Fresh Air listeners and host Terry Gross discuss a number of whimsical predictions.
