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A TV Critic's "Comic Visions"

David Marc considers his new book about classic sitcoms as a kind of autobiography: each show he reviews reminds him of the time in his life when he first watched it. He joins Fresh Air to talk about the history and politics of television comedy, especially in how it restricted the roles of women and people of color.

27:52
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Other segments from the episode on March 9, 1989

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, March 9, 1989: Interview with David Marc; Review of Ashford and Simpson's album "Love or Physical"; Interview with Neil Bissoondath; Review of the film "High Hopes."
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06:30

A Songwriting Couple Celebrates Married Life

The husband and wife duo Ashford & Simpson wrote hits for other artists before striking out on their own. Rock critic Ken Tucker says that their focus on contented, monogamous life may seem bland to many listeners, but their soulful pop make their bourgeois values seem sexy.

Review
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51:48

Crossing Borders with Neil Bissoondath

The new novelist's book, The Casual Brutality, deals with a man from Trinidad who moves to Canada -- a narrative inspired by Bissoondath's own life. The writer is descended from Indian immigrants, and is the nephew of fellow author V.S. Naipaul.

Interview

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Transcripts are created on a rush deadline, and accuracy and availability may vary. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Please be aware that the authoritative record of Fresh Air interviews and reviews are the audio recordings of each segment.

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04:50

'Car 54' Re-Release Drives An Old Fan To Reminisce.

Car 54, Where Are You?, the TV comedy series about a mythical police station in the Bronx, was created by Nat Hiken in 1961. It's just appeared for the first time on DVD to the delight of fans, including critic Lloyd Schwartz.

Review
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27:43

Comedy Writer and Film Director Carl Reiner

Reiner is a prolific director of comedy films. A frequent collaborator with Mel Brooks, he started in the theater and later television, where he began his career as a writer on the program Your Show of Shows. His latest movie, inspired by classic Hollywood musicals, is called Bert Rigby, You're a Fool.

Interview

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52:30

The voices of Sept. 11: 'My first thought was ... I can't believe that I survived'

(1.) Former FDNY Deputy Chief JOHN "JAY" JONAS. He was in the North tower on September 11th when the South tower collapsed. He and his crew made their way down from the 27th floor. On the 20th, they came across a woman who could barely walk. They made it to the fourth floor when the building collapsed around them. JONAS retired from the Fire department in 2022 after almost 43 years. (INTERVIEW FROM 2011.09.07)

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35:17

How the WNBA became a political prop in the culture wars

SABREENA MERCHANT covers women’s basketball for The Athletic. The WNBA is having a moment, fueled by rising stars like Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, and Angel Reese, recent leadership changes, and the culture war debates over trans athletes. MERCHANT discusses the latest in professional women's basketball —including the controversies surrounding the WNBA, on and off the court. (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW.) (INTERVIEW BY SAM FRAGOSO.)

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