This programme on one of America’s most important contemporary writers focuses on his major documentary novel, The Executioner’s Song. This tells the story of Gary Gilmore, who died before a firing squad in Utah, in 1977. Mailer’s research into the lives of those involved in the case resulted in a thrilling book which also contains an important statement about modern America. Mailer talks in interview about his work.
Raoul Dufy
Dufy (1877-1953) is perhaps best-known for his colourful and joyous paintings but he also produced a dazzling array of ceramics, wall-hangings, dress fabrics and furniture designs. This film, which includes interviews with patrons, dealers and models who knew Dufy puts the case that he was one of the finest draughtsmen of the twentieth century a designer whose influence is still much in evidence and a painter of genius to rank alongside Matisse and Léger.
R. K. Narayan
In this film, Narayan introduces his home town of Mysore in southern India, the model for Malgudi, the fictional setting for all his novels. Readings from his books, by Indian actor Madhav Sharma, reveal the charm of his style. The late Graham Greene, a great admirer of R. K. Narayan, assesses his place in world literature.