Swindlers and swindling
At Last, David O. Russell Is Making The Films He Was Meant To Make
David O. Russell, director of American Hustle and Silver Linings Playbook, first spoke with Terry Gross back in 1994. On Thursday, he tells her that after 20 years, he's finally met his aspirations.
A 'Hustle' With Flow (And Plenty Of Flair)
A pair of con artists and their FBI wrangler go after political corruption in American Hustle, inspired by the Abscam scandal of the '70s. Critic David Edelstein says the film, directed by Davide O. Russell, is "a bit of a hustle itself" -- and still a hell of a ride.
Examining Bernie Madoff, 'The Wizard Of Lies.'
New York Times financial writer Diana Henriques was the first journalist to interview Bernie Madoff after he was sent to prison. Henriques' new book, The Wizard of Lies, details how Madoff created the biggest Ponzi scheme in history after playing a prominent role in shaping modern markets.
FX Debuts a New Drama: 'The Riches'
TV critic David Bianculli reviews the new drama series âThe Richesâ on the FX cable network. It stars Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver.
Writer John Ridley Plays the Long Con
Novelist and screenwriter John Ridley. He's written for the sitcoms "Martin," "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," and "The John Larroquette Show." He also wrote the screenplay for "U-Turn," directed by Oliver Stone and starring Sean Penn. He's also a former stand-up comic. His latest work is a novel, "Love is a Racket" (Knopf).
Actor and Master of Deception Ricky Jay
Jay has been called "one of the greatest sleight of hand artist in the world." He is the star of the off-Broadway show "Ricky Jay and his 52 Assistants" which is directed by David Mamet.
From the Archives: Debunking "Faith Healers."
James Randi, magician and debunker of people with claims to extrasensory perception. (REBROACAST FROM 9/7/87).
From the Archives: Ricky Jay Shares Stories of Unusual Performers and Swindlers.
Ricky Jay, one of the world's great sleight-of-hand artists: a scholar of the unusual, curator of the Mullholland Library of Conjuring and the Allied Arts, an actor and author of "Learned Pigs and Fireproof Women." Currently, Jay performs to sold out shows at Broadway's Second Stage, in a show directed by playwright David Mamet, "Ricky Jay and his 52 Assistants." (REBROADCAST from 10/21/87).
"Distinguished Gentleman" is an Undistinguished Political Satire
Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews the new Eddie Murphy movie, which is being billed as a return to form after the actor's recent string of critical flops. But Schiff says that Murphy has lost his cool.
Director Irwin Winkler Brings His Usual Energy to "Night and the City"
Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews the new movie "Night and the City," starring Robert DeNiro. It's a remake of a 1950 film of the same name.