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B-Movie Legend Roger Corman on Making Movies Fast and Cheap

Film producer/director/actor Roger Corman is known as "King of the B movies." Many of today's actors and directors got their start in Corman's low budget films. He has produced or directed more than 225 films. This month, the American Museum of the Moving Image is showing a series of films by directors who worked under Corman. Some of those who work will be featured in the New York show include Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese and Joe Dante. The series is called "Corman's Children." (Originally aired pt 1. 8/2/90 pt 2. 8/3/90)

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Other segments from the episode on September 13, 1996

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, September 13, 1996: Interview with Joe Dante; Interview with Roger Corman; Interview with Dick Miller; Review of the film "First Wives Club.'
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08:35

Film Director Joe Dante's Start with Roger Corman

Film director/actor Joe Dante. He started out making trailers for Roger Corman movies and has since gone on to make movies such as "Gremlins," "The Burbs," and "Matinee." A trademark of Dante is always casting actor Dick Miller in a cameo or supporting role. Miller and Dante worked together during their Roger Corman years. (Originally aired 2/15/89)

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12:59

Genre Actor Dick Miller Finds Cult Success, Mainstream Admiration

Miller appeared in 35 of Roger Corman's films, including the original "Little Shop of Horrors" which was filmed in one night. It helped propel his career into the mainstream; he's been in more than 90 movies like "Pulp Fiction," "Tales From the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight," and "The Happy Hooker Goes to Hollywood." (Rebroadcast)

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24:46

Roger Corman on Staying Fiercely Independent

Part II of the Fresh Air interview with the legendary B-movie producer and director. Corman talks about some of the unconventional research he did before making his films, including hanging out with the Hell's Angels and taking LSD. Despite having the opportunity to work with major studios, he chose to work independently, and eventually started his own production and distribution company, New World Pictures.

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23:58

"King of the B's" Film Producer and Director Roger Corman

Part I of the Fresh Air interview. Despite his reputation as a master of the low-budget B-movie, Corman cites classic Hollywood and European films as his primary influences. He is known for his prolific pace, and for introducing now-famous actors like Jack Nicholson, Robert DeNiro, and Vincent Price. Corman has a new memoir, called "How I Made a Hundred Movies in Hollywood and Never Lost a Dime."

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