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Current Perspectives on the Death Penalty

David Von Drehle has written a new book, "Among the Lowest of the Dead: the Culture of Death Row." He looks at the current capital punishment debate using historical and personal observations and accounts of death row inmates, victims and survivors, and the people in charge of the executions. He says keeping people in prison is a bargain compared to the price of death row appeals and the fact that only 5% of death row executions actually occur. Von Drehle is arts editor of the Washington Post.

22:38
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Other segments from the episode on March 1, 1995

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, March 1, 1995: Interview with David Von Drehle; Interview with Sherwood Schwartz; Interview with Betty Thomas; Commentary on Ike Turner.
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11:51

Director Betty Thomas Brings the Bradys to Theaters

Thomas directed the new movie, "The Brady Bunch." The film is adapted from the TV series that ran from 1969-74. But there's a twist: the innocent family is transported with all its 70's values and fashion into the 90's. Thomas also directed "Only You" and "My Breast," and played Sergeant Lucy Bates on the TV series "Hill Street Blues."

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06:00

The Early Years of Ike Turner

Rock Historian Ed Ward looks back at Ike Turner's career before Tina, when he secured his place in American Pop music history.

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