Skip to main content
Back to Show
American Masters

Lorraine Hansberry's Inspiration for "A Raisin in the Sun"

Lorraine Hansberry drew inspiration from personal experience when she sat down to write a play about a working class family on the South Side of Chicago. See how she worked to find the words to describe their hopes and struggles, and how she pressed on to complete "A Raisin in the Sun."

Support Provided By
Season
Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:53:01
Explore the life of the famous singer who became an icon for the civil rights movement.
Keith Haring: Street Art Boy
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:28
Explore the life of artist Keith Haring who revolutionized pop culture and fine art.
N. Scott Momaday: Words From a Bear
1:23:25
Delve into the enigmatic life of Pulitzer Prize-winning author and poet N. Scott Momaday
Robert Shaw – Man of Many Voices
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:11
Trace the journey of one of America’s greatest choral music conductors.
This Is Bob Hope...
1:52:53
Explore the entertainer’s life with unprecedented access to his archives. Director's cut.
Edgar Allan Poe: Buried Alive
1:24:03
See a new side of innovative writer Edgar Allan Poe, best known for Gothic horror tales.
Jacques Pépin: The Art of Craft
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:37
Today he is known as a kitchen supernova, but Jacques Pépin's career began humbly.
Loretta Lynn: Still a Mountain Girl
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:53:14
"The Queen of Country Music” is still going strong after more than 50 years of music.
Harper Lee
1:23:12
Explore the mysterious life of Harper Lee, the author of To Kill a Mockingbird
American Masters Season 29
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:23:10
Ric Burns’ documentary on the rich, 75-year history of the preeminent ballet company.
I.M. Pei: Building China Modern
53:20
Explore the creative genius of I.M. Pei as he reshapes the future of architecture in China
Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind 'Little Women'
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:23:09
The first film biography about the celebrated author, Louis May Alcott.
Active loading indicator