Mel Brooks
As a Guest
'Fresh Air' Remembers Carl Reiner, A Legendary Writer, Producer And Performer
We listen to archival interviews with Reiner, who died June 29; with Mary Tyler Moore, who worked with Reiner on The Dick Van Dyke Show; and with Mel Brooks, a longtime friend and collaborator.
As a Topic
Novelist Max Brooks On Doomsday, Dyslexia And Growing Up With Hollywood Parents
In the event of a zombie attack, author Max Brooks will be ready. His books The Zombie Survival Guide and World War Z are fictional manifestations of his own fears and anxieties — and his impulse to overcome them by preparing for the worst.
Carl Reiner Discusses His Life and Career.
Film director Carl Reiner. He was a writer and appeared in "Sid Caesar's Show of Shows." He's best-known to baby boomer audiences as the creator and writer of "The Dick Van Dyke Show." He also staged several Broadway plays, including "Enter Laughing," which is based on his novel and which he later adapted to the screen. Since then, he has concentrated on film direction, specifically comedies.
A Career in Musical Parody
Composer John Morris is film director Mel Brooks' longtime collaborator. In addition to writing the music for comedies, Morris also scored David Lynch's The Elephant Man.