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A Story of a Survivor, Not a Hero.

Filmmaker Robert Young. Young's new movie, "Triumph of the Spirit," tells the true-life story of a young fighter who was imprisoned at Auschwitz during the Second World War. While being held there, the Nazis forced him to box other prisoners, the loser being sent to the death ovens. The film stars Willem Dafoe, Robert Loggia, and Edward James Olmos. Young's earlier credits include "Dominick and Eugene" and "The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez."

22:35
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Other segments from the episode on February 6, 1990

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, February 6, 1990: Interview with Robert Young; Commentary on Rabbit Brown; Interview with Budd Schulberg; Review of Ann Beattie's novel "Picturing Will."
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06:58

A Little Known Blues Singer.

Rock and roll historian Ed Ward tells the story of "Rabbit" Brown, a little-known New Orleans blues singer from the 20s who made some of the most haunting music you'll ever hear.

Commentary
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11:26

Budd Schulberg Discusses His Novels and Films.

Author Budd Schulberg. Fifty years ago, Schulberg's first novel, "What Makes Sammy Run?" was a huge success and introduced America to the character of Sammy Glick...a man totally obsessed with making it. Schulberg's other novels include "The Harder They Fall" and "The Disenchanted," and his screenplay for the movie, "On The Waterfront" earned Schulberg an Oscar. Schulberg was also involved with the 'red scare' of the 40s and 50s, and testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee.

Interview

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40:42

Director Robert Young

Before beginning production, Young spends weeks living the life of his movies' characters to more authentically capture their experiences. His films often center on the injustices committed against marginalized people.

Interview
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05:25

'The Conspirator': A Trying Trial For Lincoln's Foes.

Robert Redford's historical drama focuses on the months after President Lincoln was assassinated — and on Mary Surratt, the woman alleged to have aided the plotters. Critic David Edelstein says it's a dramatized civil-liberties lecture, both transparent and exaggerated.

Review
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06:39

Roberto Rossellini's 'The Taking Of Power' On DVD

Critic-at-large John Powers reviews a newly-released DVD of Roberto Rossellini's 1966 film The Taking of Power by Louis XIV. Originally made for Italian television, the costume-drama follows a rocky transfer of power amidst the lavish court rituals of 17th-century France.

Review

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