John Scheinfeld

American Masters is a PBS television series which produces biographies on enduring writers, musicians, visual and performing artists, dramatists, filmmakers, and others who have left an indelible impression on the cultural landscape of the United States.

In a heartfelt tribute to Hollywood legend Garry Marshall, his family and friends share their favorite memories of the creative genius behind some of the most memorable series in television history.

An account of the life of the brilliant jazz musician John Coltrane (1926-67), a gifted saxophonist, an extraordinarily talented thinker whose original, avant-garde work has impacted and influenced people all over the world. A story about music's ability to entertain, inspire and transform.

This film tells (using modern day interviews and archival footage and sound tapes) the story of how in 1967, while his band The Beach Boys triumphantly toured abroad, Brian Wilson was trying to push the boundaries of conventional pop music with a new follow-up to the Beach Boys' cutting-edge mega-hit, Pet Sounds. The new album was to be called "SMiLE". SMiLE pushed the envelope both musically and lyrically, and was supposed to out-do the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper record. But Brian wasn't able to sell the project to his band-mates when they returned. The project was shelved and Wilson's well-documented decline into depression, drug abuse, recluseness, and obesity had begun. Thirty-odd years later, Wilson announced that in 2004, SMiLE would be performed live in its entirety in London. This film tells the story of a damaged but healing artist bringing his greatest work to light.

The making of Elvis Presley's famous live TV concert and the chaotic behind the scenes. It was the most-watched television event of the year with nearly half of the audience tuned in to watch Presley perform in his iconic black leather suit.

An entertaining and heartfelt look at the ties of hope, faith, and optimism that bind Cubs fans together. This exciting film also offers unique insight into what it means to be a true Cubs fan by exploring how deeply the histories of the city of Chicago and its Cubs are intertwined.

Join the individuals who made M*A*S*H as they celebrate one of the most beloved, enduringly popular, often quoted and influential comedies ever created.

Documentary about actor Peter Sellers and one of his most memorable film roles.

The life and work of the enigmatic singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson.

A joyful, cinematic celebration of this singular musical artist, who remains as vital and relevant today as when he exploded on the scene with his group, Brasil '66. With a rich, multi-layered approach to storytelling, the film digs deep to reveal the forces that shaped his incredible journey.

A documentary exploring the historical concept of the narrative of Stanley Kubrick's 1964 film "Dr. Strangelove Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love The Bomb." This short documentary compares the film with the actual events concerning the Cold War and the Cuban Missle Crisis.

PBS documentary examining the work of Jack Paar.

DVD featurette documenting the success of "All in the Family".

During his career, Bob Hope was the only performer to achieve top-rated success in every form of mass entertainment. American Masters explores the entertainer’s life through his personal archives and clips from his classic films.

A documentary on the life of John Lennon, with a focus on the time in his life when he transformed from a musician into an antiwar activist.

DVD featurette documenting the beginnings of "All in the Family"

From the success of Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass, through the founding of A&M Records, to giving away more than $150 million to arts and education programs across the country, we’ll witness the humanity and the humility inherent in everything he does, as well as come to understand the power of creativity to entertain, inspire, heal and transform.

Starring Dick Van Dyke explores how the prolific performer became a star on stage, television and film for nearly eight decades.

Follow the career of the Divine Miss M -- singer and actress Bette Midler -- from the bathhouses to Broadway to starring film roles. This A&E biography tells the story of the Emmy, Grammy and Golden Globe winner through interviews with friends, family, colleagues and the superstar herself. See clips from stage performances and films, and learn how the star of such films as The Rose, Beaches, and Down and Out in Beverly Hills has stayed on top.

Documentary about the life and career of a comic genius, Peter Sellers.