Fishko Files

A film based on a true story about secrets, lies, and Washington, D.C. is just about to open in select theatres. It has WNYC's Sara Fishko considering some other films, facts, and fantasies that have been building up for years - in this edition of Fishko Files.

The Post opens in select theatres tomorrow, December 22.

This year, Saturday Night Live has boosted its late-night ratings with political satire. But in this Fishko Files, stories of bold prime time politics from Tom Smothers and Larry Gelbart - who managed, at least for a while, to combine war, comedy and family TV. (Produced in 2003)

As we approach winter and 2018, WNYC's Sara Fishko looks back to the winter of 1838, when Chopin and Georges Sand lived through a damp and dismal moment abroad - and lived to write about it. The richly repetitive "Raindrop Prelude," in this Fishko Files. (Produced in 2010)

Starting tomorrow, 25 classic movies by director William Wyler will be screened in New York. In this edition of Fishko Files, WNYC's Sara Fishko picks a couple of favorites.

The film series "More Than Meets the Eye: William Wyler" starts tomorrow, December 1, at the Quad Cinema in the Village.

Lalo Schifrin is 85 this year, and his career as a jazz pianist and composer of film and TV scores ("Mission Impossible") has been stellar. WNYC's Sara Fishko talked to Schifrin - who was born in Argentina - about his gift for capturing the American sound. (Produced in 2008)

A new CD of Schifrin classical piano works has just been released by fellow Argentinian pianist Mirian Conti on the Grand Piano label. Schifrin: Piano Works is available on Amazon.

It's just 70 years since the House Committee on Un-American Activities began its investigation into "Communist infiltration" in Hollywood. Turner Classic Movies is marking the anniversary this month with films and talks on the subject, including an appearance by Lee Grant - who was Sara Fishko's guest in 2014. Grant talks about her "Blacklist" memoir in this archival episode of Fishko Files. (Produced in 2014)

"Spotlight TCM: The Hollywood Blacklist" airs every Monday & Tuesday in November, featuring Lee Grant in conversation on November 27 & 28.

Lee Grant's book, I Said Yes to Everything: A Memoir, is available on Amazon.

As this week's election results show gains for Democrats, minorities and women, WNYC's Sara Fishko recalls Representative Bella Abzug, the powerhouse progressive voice who paved the way. (Produced in 2008)

A sketch for a new piece by 20th century jazz violinist Stuff Smith has surfaced. As WNYC's Sara Fishko tells us in this Fishko Files, it may be a small work, but it's a reminder of Smith's big influence on music.

The Stuff Smith concerto can be heard at Le Poisson Rouge this Sunday, November 5. For details on this Composers Concordance concert, visit lpr.com. 

Jazz violinist Regina Carter performs at NJPAC as part of Ella & Dizzy: The Centennial Celebration on Sunday, November 12. For tickets, visit NJPAC.org.

Limited edition and rare Stuff Smith recordings, including his unfinished concerto, are available through Anthony Barnett's AB Fable Archive.

The Savory Collection Volumes 1-3 are available exclusively on Apple Music and iTunes.

Special thanks to Loren Schoenberg and Dave Soldier

100 years ago this week, violinist Jascha Heifetz made his American debut. Heifetz set a new standard for mastery of the instrument, but these days even his admirers don’t completely embrace his musical personality and style. In this archival Fishko Files, violinists from Sarah Chang to Itzhak Perlman discuss the impact of this towering performer. (Produced in 2001)

In honor of American composer Ned Rorem's upcoming 94th birthday on October 23, spend seven minutes with the very opinionated Mr. R. This piece was originally made for Studio 360 as part of a Fishko Files-curated series on living composers' connections to music history. (Produced in 2006)

To explore further, listen to "An Hour with Ned Rorem" featuring Rorem and Fishko in conversation in 2002.