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J. G. Ballard Discusses his Life and Career.

J. G.Ballard, the author of the largely autobiographical novel Empire of the Sun, which film director Steven Spielberg made into a movie of the same name last year. Ballard was born in Shanghai and was interned by the Japanese during World War II. He has written 19 books.

27:01
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Other segments from the episode on May 2, 1988

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, May 2, 1988: Interview with J. G. Ballard; Review of Lester Bowie's Brass Fantasy's album "Twilight Dreams"; Interview with Weslia Whitfield; Review of the television…
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09:58

Singer Wesla Whitfield.

Cabaret singer Wesla [sometimes Weslia] Whitfield. Ten years ago, she was paralyzed after she was shot in the back during a hold-up. She has since established herself as one of San Francisco's most popular cabaret singers.

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03:45

T. V. Movie is Better than the Actual Movie.

Television Critic David Bianculli previews the CBS remake of the 1954 film classic "The Caine Mutiny," based on Herman Wouk's acclaimed novel. Brad Davis stars as Commander Queeg, the role Humphrey Bogart made famous in the original film. Other actors include Jeff Daniels and performance artist Eric Bogosian. The performance is directed by Robert Altman.

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21:58

Author J.G. Ballard on His Inspirations for "Crash"

Ballard's novels often deal with the changes affected by modern science and technology. His novel "Crash" relates these changes to sexually-deviant behavior. The book has been made into a movie by filmmaker David Cronenberg and won an award at the 1996 Cannes Film Festiival. Ballard also wrote the books "Empire of the Sun" and "Concrete Island," among others.

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Daughter of Warhol star looks back on a bohemian childhood in the Chelsea Hotel

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