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Culture

Monday

Music News

The Measure of Sam Cooke's 'Triumph'

Fresh Air

Biographer Peter Guralnick's new book is Dream Boogie: The Triumph of Sam Cooke. Guralnick follows the life of rhythm and blues legend Sam Cooke from his roots in gospel music through his legendary career as a singer and songwriter whose hits include "You Send Me," "Only Sixteen" and many others.

The Measure of Sam Cooke's 'Triumph'

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Movies

'March of the Penguins' a Box Office Surprise

March of the Penguins is -- by far -- the surprise hit movie of the year. The film about the Emperor Penguins' extraordinary breeding cycle is now the second-highest-grossing documentary ever, just behind Fahrenheit 9/11. It's also the highest grossing French film ever released in the United States.

'March of the Penguins' a Box Office Surprise

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Sunday

Music Interviews

Kronos Quartet Plays Bollywood, With Asha Bhosle

Indian singer Asha Bhosle and David Harrington talk about a collaboration between Bhosle and the Kronos Quartet. The Indian film soundtrack superstar and Harrington's adventurous string ensemble work together on the new recording You've Stolen My Heart: Songs from R.D. Burman's Bollywood.

Kronos Quartet Plays Bollywood, With Asha Bhosle

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National

Side Show by the Seashore: A Survival Tale

Coney Island's Side Show by the Seashore is a throwback to the days when circuses and carnivals flourished. A proposed Las Vegas-style entertainment complex is a real threat, but the Side Show attraction remains, with its nostalgic charms.

Side Show by the Seashore: A Survival Tale

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Movies

The Masked Men of Mexican Movies

On this Halloween eve, we put the spotlight on Mexico's obsession with wrestlers in masks. Bobb Cotter, author of The Mexican Masked Wrestler and Monster Filmography, takes us into the world of characters like El Santo and Blue Demon, and their silverscreen battles with fantastical monsters and villains.

The Masked Men of Mexican Movies

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Saturday

Review

Music Reviews

Having a Ball with Juan Garcia Esquivel

Have a cocktail. Why? Because Juan Garcia Esquivel is back... after a fashion. True, he died in 2002. But the man who practically invented 1950s lounge music — then led a resurgence in the 1990s — is being rediscovered on a CD called The Sights and Sounds of Esquivel!.

Having a Ball with Juan Garcia Esquivel

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Movies

Childhood Friends Team for 'Capote'

Capote tracks the writer's draining effort to complete In Cold Blood. Dan Futterman, known for acting roles on Judging Amy and Will & Grace, wrote the screenplay. He and director Bennett Miller talk with Linda Wertheimer about the film.

Childhood Friends Team for 'Capote'

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Law

Artist, 'Bama Collide over Trademark Issues

Artist Daniel Moore's lifelike depictions of University of Alabama football are a big hit with Crimson Tide fans. But the school is suing for trademark infringement. Moore and copyright lawyer Rebecca Tushnet speak with Debbie Elliott.

Artist, 'Bama Collide over Trademark Issues

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Friday

Movies

'I Walked with a Zombie' and other Classic Films

Fresh Air

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz is also a horror movie fan. He reviews a new DVD collection of the horror films of producer Val Lewton. The films include The Leopard Man, Curse of the Cat People, and I Walked with a Zombie, along with six other films.

'I Walked with a Zombie' and other Classic Films

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Movies

Visiting the Wonderful 'Wizard of Oz' on DVD

Critic Bob Mondello reviews the newly released special-edition DVD for The Wizard of Oz. The three-disc set includes documentaries, outtakes and other special features. He says watching the classic film brought back many memories.

Visiting the Wonderful 'Wizard of Oz' on DVD

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Review

Movies

'Paradise Now' Is a Life-and-Death Drama

Paradise Now is a powerful and provocative drama about the nightmare of terrorism. It gets its strength from its dispassion. It is uncompromising in its determination to explain, rather than justify, incomprehensible acts.

'Paradise Now' Is a Life-and-Death Drama

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Movies

Can 'Chicken Little' Reanimate Disney?

With the upcoming release of the movie Chicken Little, Disney hopes to reclaim its animation credentials. The company's films have been overshadowed in recent years by computer-animated offerings from other studios.

Can 'Chicken Little' Reanimate Disney?

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'Shopgirl' and Twain Confirm Martin's Iconic Status

Steve Martin is at the top of his game. He has just been awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, at the same time that his newest movie, Shopgirl, is winning strong reviews around the country.

'Shopgirl' and Twain Confirm Martin's Iconic Status

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Thursday

Review

Music Reviews

'60s Icon Donovan Returns with 'Try for the Sun'

Forty years ago, an unknown Scottish folk singer named Donovan Leitch released his first single. "Catch the Wind" was the first in a string of hits that would make Donovan a '60s icon. A new box set, Try for the Sun: The Journey of Donovan celebrates and explores his career.

'60s Icon Donovan Returns with 'Try for the Sun'

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