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Director Charles Burnett

The African American film director made a number of documentary films; his first widely distributed, commercial film, To Sleep with Anger, stars Danny Glover. Burnett comes from the American South; he's inspired by a lot of the folklore that comes from that region.

10:22
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Other segments from the episode on October 24, 1990

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, October 24, 1990: Interview with Dilip Hiro; Commentary on Curtis Mayfield; Interview with Charles Burnett; Review of Elizabeth Kendall's book "The Runaway Bride."
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23:52

Middle East's "Longest War" and It's International Ramifications

Pakistan-born, British journalist Dilip Hiro covers Middle East affairs. His forthcoming book on the Iran-Iraq war is called The Longest War. He says Iraq and its leader Saddam Hussein gained power by receiving intelligence and material support from Western states, including the U.S. He says any conflict between the U.S. and Iraq could destabilize the region.

Interview
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06:53

Curtis Mayfield Secures His Place in Soul Music

Ed Ward concludes his two-part history of the politically-minded singer and songwriter. Mayfield was recruited by Columbia Records so that label could compete with Motown. After a few career missteps with other labels, Mayfield scored two hits from his soundtrack the film Superfly.

Commentary
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04:03

Re-Evaluating Women in 1930s Romantic Comedies

Book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews The Runaway Bride, Elizabeth Kendall's book about women's portrayals and roles in the early era of film. The author says these women were allowed to be smarter, funnier and more self-respecting in ways that are uncommon today.

Review

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42:02

Ava DuVernay: A New Director, After Changing Course

In January, DuVernay became the first African-American woman to win Sundance's best directing award for her second feature-length film, Middle of Nowhere. It's about a young woman who puts her life and dreams of going to medical school on hold while her husband is in prison.

Film director Ava Duvernay smiles on stage against a black backdrop
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21:47

"Gridlock'd" Director Vondie Curtis Hall

Actor Vondie Curtis Hall was raised in Detroit. He plays a doctor on the TV series "Chicago Hope" and has had roles in the movies "Broken Arrow," "Passion Fish," and "Romeo and Juliet." His latest project is the writing and directing of the new film "Gridlock'd," a comedy about the troubles two men encounter when they make a pact to overcome their heroin addictions, starring Tim Roth and Tupak Shakur.

Interview

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