Entertainment

Book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews Leaving a Doll's House, a memoir by British actress and Philip Roth's ex-wife Claire Bloom.

Deneuve talks about her new movie "Les Voleures" (Thieves). Some of her best known films include "Belle De Jour," "Repulsion," "Indochine," and "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg." She was born in Paris in 1943.

Tucci has appeared in the films "Kiss of Death" and "The Pelican Brief." On television he was nominated for an Emmy for his portrayal of the slimy billionaire on "Murder One." His latest project is the film "Big Night," a homage to Italian food and family, which he co-wrote, co-directed, and co-stars in.

Two British actresses: Brenda Blethyn and Marianne Jean-Baptiste. Blethyn is one of the UK's best-known stage and television actresses. She's currently starring in the new Mike Leigh film "Secrets & Lies." Jean-Baptiste also co-stars. The two talk about the unique way Leigh directed them on set.

Memphis based musician Sid Selvidge. He's a guitarist whose music synthesizes classic blues styles and Appalachian traditions. Selvidge has been part of the Memphis music scene for 30 years, learning from such Delta blues legends as Bukka White, and Mississippi Fred McDowell. Selvidge is also senior producer of the new public radio blues show, "Beale Street Caravan" which premieres on October 1.

The Nobel Prize winner and activist talks with Terry about his newest book "The Open Sore of a Continent: A Personal Narrative of the Nigerian Crisis." It's been nearly a year since the Nigerian military government executed dissident writer Ken Saro-Wiwa. The killing sparked international protests that today has left Nigeria politically isolated. The events that led up to the execution in November 1995 mark Nigeria's decline from a thriving post-colonial state to its present military dictatorship.

Martin talks with Terry Gross about his life on stage. Next month, his new book "Picasso at The Lapin Agile and Other Plays" will be published by Grove Press. It contains one full length play and three one-acts. Martin is also author of a collection of short stories, "Cruel Shoes." His screenwriting credits include "L.A.

Wuhl talks with Terry about his new HBO comedy series "Arli$$." It is about the life of Arliss Michaels, a high powered Los Angeles sports agent. The cable sitcom began airing last month and airs Wednesday nights. Wuhl also played Larry in "Bull Durham," Alex Knox the investigative reporter in the movie "Batman," and D.J. Marty Driewitz in the film "Good Morning Vietnam."

An excerpt from the NPR program "This American Life" produced by Ira Glass. This is the story of a Tom Jones impersonator produced by Jay Allison and narrated by Dan Gediman -- brother of the ersatz celebrity.

A discussion with two of the makers of the feminist film "Girls Town," Jim McKay, the co-writer and director, and Lili Taylor, the lead. Taylor plays Patti Lucci, an abused teen mother who struggles to understand the suicide of her friend, Nikki. Patti and her two best friends learn that Nikki killed herself because she was raped--they then boldly confront the man who did it. Taylor recently starred in the film version of "I Shot Andy Warhol;" McKay got his start shooting music videos for REM. "Girls Town" is his first feature film.

Singer, songwriter, guitarist and actor Willie Nelson recently released two new albums. With "Spirit," Nelson is the first country musician to record with Island Records. He recorded "How Great Thou Art" with his sister, Bobbie Nelson. That CD is a collection of gospel standards, like "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" and "Just A Closer Walk With Thee."

Book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews "Derby Dugan's Depression Funnies," by Tom De Haven.

A new monologue by the NPR commentator, playwright, and housecleaner. "Drama Bug" was featured on This American Life, a nationally broadcast radio program hosted by Ira Glass and produced at WBEZ in Chicago. Sedaris is known nationally for his humor writing; he launched his radio commentator career with his "SantaLand Diaries," broadcast during NPR's "Morning Edition in 1992.

A concert and interview with vocalist Susannah McCorkle, accompanied by pianist Cliff Korman. Last week, McCorkle finished a cabaret of Cole Porter tunes in New York City. "The Passionate Cole Porter" was an attempt to prove that Porter was not an unfeeling observer of romance. She also has a CD featuring Cole Porter tunes, "Easy To Love" (Concord Jazz). McCorkle is the youngest singer ever to be included in the Smithsonian Institution's "Popular Music Record Series."

Singer and actress Cher. She's just released "It's a Man's World" (Warner Brothers), her first CD in five years. She talks Terry about her early life and career.

Fresh Air's movie critic John Powers reviews Striptease, a new film starring Demi Moore.

The singer and performer died over the weekend of heart failure. He was 64. Born Herbert B. Khaury, Tim began performing in the 1950s. He was best known for his performances on Laugh-In, especially his crooning of "Tip Toe Through the Tulips." In this interview from earlier this year, Tim performs some songs on his ukulele. (Rebroadcast)

Singer and performer Tiny Tim. Born Herbert B. Khaury, Tim began performing in the 1950s. He is best known for his performances on Laugh-In, especially his croonings of "Tip Toe Through the Tulips." At 65, the long-haired, white-faced TIM is as passionate about old songs as ever... and as odd as ever.

Singer/songwriter Elvis Costello. Previously with the band The Attractions, he later went solo. Since then he has performed and recorded with The Brodsky Quartet and jazz guitarist Bill Frisell. He's written about 300 songs. His new release is "All This Useless Beauty" (Warner Bros) which he recorded with The Attractions.

"Society" Pianist Peter Mintun for a concert and interview in the Fresh Air Studio. He specializes in popular song classics of the 1920s, 30s and 40s. He just finished an engagement at the Carlyle Hotel's Bemelmans Bar in New York City and returns there in August. His recordings can be found on the Premier Recordings Label.