Terry Gross

Indian born film maker Mira Nair. Her new movie, "Mississippi Masala," is the story of an African-American man and an African Indian woman who come together in a little Southern town. Nair's previous film, "Salaam Bombay," got an Oscar nomination for best foreign film and won the Camera d'Or at Cannes.

Investigative reporter Wayne Barrett. His new book, "Trump: The Deals and the Downfall," is a fresh look at America's most famous wheeler-dealer. In his book, Barrett deflates what he calls the myth that Trump is a financial genius. (It's published by Harper-Collins).

Jazz musician Sonny Sharrock. He's been called America's leading free jazz guitarist. His new album is called "Ask the Ages." (It's on Axiom records).(REBROADCAST. ORIGINALLY AIRED 10/23/91).

Michael Klare, defense correspondent for the Nation. In the February third issue, Klare examines the current state of arms sales throughout the world. He says although nuclear arms sales have been curtailed, and the Soviet Union is gone, the sale of conventional arms to the third world continues unabated. Klare is also an associate professor at Hampshire College, and director of the Five-College Program in Peace and World Securities.

Eleanor Coppola filmed a documentary called "Hearts of Darkness." It's a behind-the-scenes view of the making of Apocalypse Now. Coppola is the wife of director Frances Ford Coppola.

Educator Theodore Sizer. His 1984 book, "Horace's Compromise," was the fictionalized tale of a typical American high school. It was based on Sizer's own experiences as a teacher, and two years of field research. Sizer resurrects Horace in his new book, "Horace's School." It's a look at some possible roads toward educational reform. (It's published by Houghton Mifflin).

Actor Everett Quinton. He's the director of "The Ridiculous Theatrical Company," a New York based acting troupe who's members often appear in drag. The company's won many Obie awards and is now in its 25th year. To celebrate, they're staging two shows, "Bluebeard," the story of a man trying to create a third sex, and a one-man show called "The Bells."

Veteran political journalist Jules Witcover. His new book is "Crapshoot: Rolling the Dice On the Vice Presidency." It examines the caviler method in which we choose our vice presidents.

Ronald Walters, chairman of the department of political science at Howard University. He'll discuss the influence of the black vote in the presidential election.