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
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:11
Trace the journey of one of America’s greatest choral music conductors.
1:52:53
Explore the entertainer’s life with unprecedented access to his archives. Director's cut.
1:24:03
See a new side of innovative writer Edgar Allan Poe, best known for Gothic horror tales.
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:37
Today he is known as a kitchen supernova, but Jacques Pépin's career began humbly.
53:11
Today’s American food movement can be traced back to one man: James Beard.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:23:10
Ric Burns’ documentary on the rich, 75-year history of the preeminent ballet company.
53:20
Explore the creative genius of I.M. Pei as he reshapes the future of architecture in China
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:23:09
The first film biography about the celebrated author, Louis May Alcott.
Unlock with PBS Passport
3:25:42
Explore musician Bob Dylan's evolution from folk troubadour to iconic rock star.
55:29
Calder’s aesthetic revolution concerned a somewhat taboo topic in the art world - fun.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:25:19
Explores the life, works and beliefs of the late writer and civil rights activist.