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"Menace II Society" Is a Remarkable Debut Film About L.A. Gang Life

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews the new movie by first-time directors, the Hughes Brothers.

04:02
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Other segments from the episode on June 3, 1993

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, June 3, 1993: Interview with Jo Carol Pierce; Interview with David Halberstam; Review of the film "Menace II Society."
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21:17

"Bad Girl" Texas Songwriter Jo Carol Pierce

Pierce won the "Songwriter of the Year" award at the 1993 Austin Music Awards. A tribute album of her songs performed by other singers, "Across the Great Divide," won the Album of the Year Award. She's originally from Lubbock, Texas, and little known outside the state. Her songs are quirky, and spiritual. Pierce also wrote and performed the one-woman show, ""Bad Girls Upset About the Truth," told in story and song about her problems with men and Jesus.

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16:41

The Twin Directors Behind "Menace II Society"

Allen and Albert Hughes, 21-year old twins, and directors of "Menace II Society." Their mother steered them away from drugs and gangs when they were twelve by buying them video equipment. After making several music videos and short films, they've made their first feature. It's firmly in the gangster genre, an unflinching film about young men growing up in Watts. The film's 23-year old screenwriter Tyger Williams explains: "For every 'good' kid that makes it out of the ghetto, there are five more who don't.

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