Many viewers think Dennis Franz stole the show with his portrayal of Norman Buntz in Hill Street Blues. He stars in an upcoming comedy spinoff called Beverly Hills Buntz. Franz got his start early on in theater; small film parts later raised his profile as an actor.
Sarah Paretsky's novels feature women detectives who are every bit as tough as their hard-boiled male counterparts. Her work subverts classic tropes of vulnerable virgins and femme fatales. Her newest book is called Bitter Medicine.
Record producer, musician and songwriter Todd Rundgren joins Fresh Air to talk about his career both in-studio and on the concert stage. Recently, he's branched out into television, writing music for Pee Wee's Playhouse.
Book critic John Leonard says that Robert Stuart Nathan's new mystery book, The White Tiger, features a memorable portrayal of Beijing, and makes for fine summer reading.
Jazz critic Francis Davis reviews a 7-LP box set, The Smithsonian Collection of Classic Jazz, which was just reissued with additional tracks. He says the selections, curated by fellow critic Martin Williams, are essential but predictable, and often dismissive of more forward-looking artists.
The renowned soloist says the nature of his instrument demands that he be flexible about also playing supportively in ensemble settings. He talks about how the death of his parents, both of whom were musicians, contributed to his artistic development.
The Irish filmmaker joins Fresh Air to talk about the difficulties of movie production in his home country. His new movie, directed by Peter Ormond, is called Eat the Peach.
Obie Award-winning playwright Adrienne Kennedy has a new, unconventional memoir called People Who Led to My Plays. She explores the experience of growing up as an African American in suburban Ohio, her drive to excel artistically and academically, and the people who influenced her throughout her life.
Critic Ken Tucker believes the new film, now on home video, highlights the importance of an often overlooked medium. His only quibble is with sci-fi author Harlan Ellison's narration, which Tucker says is unnecessary.
Still in her thirties, novelist Erica Jong celebrates women in their 40s, 50s and 60s. Her books feature realistic women characters who are given the chance to embrace their bodies and enjoy sex without fear of repercussions. Her newest is called Serenissima.
Wes Craven worked his way up in the film industry before unexpectedly getting the chance to direct The Last House on the Left. The movie was a controversial success, with its graphic portrayal of rape and murder. His newest movie about voodoo, The Serpent and the Rainbow, was filmed in Haiti.
Alice McDermott's new novel is about a young girl who witnesses a teenage love affair develop in her neighborhood. McDermott joins Fresh Air to discuss writing, memory, and growing up in the suburbs.
The franchise's newest installment, The Living Daylights, stars Timothy Dalton. Film critic Stephen Schiff says it's enjoyable enough, but its tone is too serious and sensitive for a Bond flick.
Roseanne Cash's newest album, King's Record Shop, blends country and rock music. Rock critic Ken Tucker says that her affectless voice lends itself to both genres.
Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz shares his admiration for the Music & Arts Programs of America, a Berkeley-based record label that reissues classic performances from earlier in the 20th century.
Linguist Geoff Nunberg says that, regardless of the language they're written in, newspaper headlines demand a mastery of colloquialisms and pre-existing knowledge of current events--making them difficult for non-native speakers to comprehend.
Listeners will recognize Frankie Laine's voice from the opening sequences of Rawhide and Blazing Saddles. Laine also makes a career performing and recording pop, country and jazz tunes.
