Terry Gross

Landesman founded several nightclubs frequented by beat writers. He later published their work in his literary magazine Neurotica -- despite finding their writing limited. Landesman later lampooned the beat generation in his Broadway musical, The Nervous Set.

During the 1950s and '60s, record labels were subject to criminal investigations over their practice of paying radio stations for airplay of their songs. A new book by Fredric Dannen, about the way the payola system has re-emerged, is called Hit Men.

Zucker has made a number of parody films with his brother David, including Police Academy and The Naked Gun. His first solo movie, Ghost, is now in theaters.

Curtis's parents are Hollywood actors Jane Lee and Tony Curtis. In contrast to her own childhood, she keeps her own daughter out of the public eye. Curtis joins Fresh Air to talk about her roles in horror, comedy, and TV.

O'Brien's new novel is called The Things They Carried, about a soldier's experiences during the Vietnam War. Despite the fact that the narrator shares the author's name -- and that several scenes are taken directly from his own memory -- O'Brien is careful to point out that the book is indeed a work of fiction.

Cage stars in the upcoming David Lynch movie. The actor says he enjoyed Wild at Heart's dreamlike atmosphere, which allowed him to push the boundaries of his performance. He joins Fresh Air to discuss some of his earlier work, and the extremes he's gone to capture a character. Cage is the nephew of Francis Ford Coppola; he changed his name to distinguish himself from his famous family.

Kirby has had prominent roles in films like Good Morning, America, The Godfather II, and When Harry Met Sally. He stars in a new, mob-themed comedy called The Freshman. His father is fellow movie actor Bruce Kirby.

Critic Own Geliberman reviews the home video release of Harvey, starring Jimmy Stuart in an unusual and never-matched role. Gleiberman says the movie is unique today for its 40-year-old perspectives on alcoholism and mental health.

For three decades, Villella was a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet under George Balanchine. During that time, he also negotiated better pay for American performers. His career took a severe physical toll; now he's the artistic director for the newly formed Miami City Ballet.

Miller starred in dozens of Roger Corman's B-movies, including Bucket of Blood. Later, big name directors so admired his work that they began to give Miller small parts in their films. He appeared in all of of Joe Dante's movies, including the recent Gremlins 2.