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18:41

A Prisoner Remembers His Criminal Past

James Fogle was a drug addict who, along with others, robbed drugstores to feed his habit. The film Drugstore Cowboy is based on his autobiographical novel of the same name; the book wasn't yet published at the time of production. It's now in stores. Fogle is currently serving a prison sentence, and joins Fresh Air by telephone.

Interview
23:46

The Complicated Process of "Making Saints"

Newsweek magazine's religion writer Kenneth L. Woodward's new book examines the politics surrounding how the Roman Catholic Church decides who will become a saint. Woodward says it's the most democratic process in a profoundly undemocratic institution.

Interview
03:55

An Ecological American Epic with a Peculiar Charm

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews "Dances With Wolves," starring and directed by Kevin Costner, about a soldier in the 1860s preserving the frontier and forging alliances with American Indians. Schiff says it's corny and overdone, but reminds him of the entertaining Westerns of the 1950s.

06:25

The Wilbury's Sweetness Turns Sour

Rock critic Ken Tucker says The Traveling Wilburys' new, ironically titled second is filled with annoying jokes. But the band gives the members of the group a chance to relax and let loose -- which gives this album some charm.

Review
06:20

Bach and the Art of Transcription

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz discusses the history of musicians adapting Bach's music for their own instruments -- regardless of what the piece was originally composed for. He says Sharon Isbin's new album of Bach's Four Lute Suites is in an excellent example -- it has a depth of emotion he doesn't normally associated with the guitar.

Review
11:00

Director and Writer Gordon Parks

Parks directed the early black action film, Shaft. His son, who died in 1979, was also a director. The elder Parks began his career as a photographer for Vogue and Life, and documented difficult aspects of the African American experience. He's just written his memoir, "Voices in the Mirror."

Interview
03:25

"Psycho IV" Is the Best Sequel Yet

Television critic David Bianculli reviews the latest sequel to Hitchcock's thriller, made for the Showtime network. Anthony Perkins reprises his role as serial killer Norman Bates; this time, we get a glimpse of his childhood. Bianculli says it's surprisingly good, and leaves open the possibility for even more sequels.

Review
23:16

Grateful Dead Drummer "At the Edge"

Fresh Air producer Amy Salit talks with Grateful Dead drummer, Mickey Hart. Hart's also long been involved with the drumming traditions of other cultures. Hart has a new book called "Drumming At the Edge," and a CD called "At the Edge."

07:11

The Songwriting of Percy Mayfield

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the influential musician, who had a string of hits in the early 1950s. An automobile accident scarred his face, and he stayed out of the public eye for several years. But Mayfield still made a living from music, with song for other artists -- like the Ray Charles hit, "Hit the Road, Jack."

Commentary
10:43

Film Director Jon Amiel

Amiel's new film is Tune In Tomorrow, starring Peter Falk and Barbara Hershey. It's an adaptation of Mario Vargas Llosa's novel Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter. Amiel also directed Dennis Potter's groundbreaking TV production, The Singing Detective.

Interview
23:35

Broadway Songwriter Burton Lane

Lane wrote the scores for several Broadway shows, including Finian's Rainbow and On a Clear Day You Can See Forever. He accompanies Michael Feinstein on piano on the new album, Michael Feinstein Sings the Burton Lane Songbook.

Interview
06:20

How to Read Aloud

Linguist Geoffrey Nunburg says that, unlike classic Victorian writers, contemporary authors don't intend for their work to be read aloud. But that doesn't stop actors from doing it -- and often in uncomplimentary ways.

Commentary

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