Thu, May 8, 1986
This edition features segments about a giant flying robot, The Museum of Broadcasting, and actor Alan Alda. In "The Biggest Known Flying Creature," John Laurence visits with a group of aeronautical engineers, paleontologists, and inventors who created a flying pterodactyl robot for the Smithsonian film, "On the Wing." The segment provides information on pterodactyls, documents the creation of the huge robot, and features comments by creators Wann Langston, Paul MacCready, Kevin Padian, Martyn Cowley, and Alec Brooks. In "A House Full of Memories," Downs visits The Museum of Broadcasting in New York City (now known as the Paley Center for Media), recounts the creation of the Museum by William S. Paley, and describes the collection and a typical visit to the Museum. Downs then interviews Museum president Robert M. Batscha, and performers Milton Berle, Jean Stapleton, Valerie Harper, and Linda Lavin, about the value of the Museum and the television and radio programs in the collection. Included are television clips from "Texaco Star Theatre," "A Long Time 'Til Dawn," "I Love Lucy," "Alice," " All in the Family," "Death of a Salesman," and historical footage of speeches by John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as radio clips of Herb Morrison, Edward R. Murrow, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Fred Allen. Finally, the segment, "Alan Alda: Rough Edges and All" chronicles the actor's life and career. Walters speaks with Alda about the following topics: his father as an inspirational influence; his childhood struggle with polio; working in Hollywood; the importance of "M*A*S*H*"; and the pressures accompany with success. This segment includes clips from "M*A*S*H*" and the film, "Sweet Liberty."