The Best Episodes of American Masters Season 18

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   8.3/10(165 votes)

   #1 - Arthur Miller, Elia Kazan and the Blacklist

   S18:E19/3/2003

   The dispute between one of America's most influential playwrights and a respected movie director over actions taken during the "red scare" of the 1950s.

   Director:Unknown

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2. 

   7.6/10(114 votes)

   #2 - James Brown: Soul Survivor

   S18:E210/29/2003

   The highs and lows of the life of James Brown, the colorful and controversial "Godfather of Soul".

   Director:Unknown

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3. 

   7.4/10(67 votes)

   #3 - Cary Grant: A Class Apart

   S18:E31/7/2004

   “Eternally elegant” screen superstar Cary Grant (1904-86) is profiled. Included are clips from his films and interviews with ex-wife Betsy Drake and widow Barbara Grant. There are also comments from biographers and film critics, and costars Eva Marie Saint and Martin Landau. Helen Mirren is the narrator, and Jeremy Northam provides the voice of Grant.

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4. 

   8.6/10(307 votes)

   #4 - Balanchine

   S18:E41/14/2004

   A retrospective on the life and work of George Balanchine, a founder of American ballet.

   Director:Unknown

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5. 

   7.0/10(75 votes)

   #5 - Judy Garland: By Myself

   S18:E52/25/2004

   A detailed examination of the celebrated vocalist's career, from her amazing successes to her self-doubts and personal problems.

   Director:Unknown

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6. 

   8.0/10(589 votes)

   #6 - Henry Luce and Time-Life's America: A Vision of Empire

   S18:E64/28/2004

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7. 

   7.2/10(188 votes)

   #7 - Hank Williams: Honky Tonk Blues

   S18:E76/23/2004

   The brief but impressive career of the man most responsible for defining what is modern "country music".

   Director:Unknown

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8. 

   8.0/10(122 votes)

   #8 - Julia! America's Favorite Chef

   S18:E88/18/2004

   Through an interview with Julia herself, filmed in her fabled kitchen, and rare images from the photo collection of Paul Child and from family photo albums, Julia Child is revealed as few have seen her before in this tribute and testament to a great American icon.

   Director:Marilyn H. Mellowes

   Writer:Marilyn H. Mellowes

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   Director:Marilyn H. Mellowes

   Writer:Marilyn H. Mellowes