Edge

EDGe is a new monthly series of one-hour programs on american popular culture that premiered October 2, 1991 at 9 p.m. on PBS. EDGE delves beneath the surface of the American cultural scene to report on what it’s saying about our society and our times. This innovative new series is a co-production of Thirteen/WNET in New York and the BBC. Host Robert Krulwich, known for his witty and sharp-“edged” observations on CBS News and National Public Radio, leads a repertory of guest reporters who bring to these stories their off-beast and on-target observations of contemporary culture. Another element contributing to the unique sensibility of EDGE is WNET’s production partnership with the BBC. A shortened version of the series, called THE AMERICAN LATE SHOW, will air in Great Britain as part of TLE LATE SHOW, BBc-2’s popular weeknightly arts magazine program. EDGE’s premier program in October covered stories ranging from new novels to enduring rock music, memorial architecture to trials on TV. In a segment on literary icon Norman Mailer and his latest novel “Harlot’sGhost”, “Vanity Fair” critic James Wolcott, who confesses to a long-standing personal obsession with Mailer, offers a “video-literary docu-drama” critique. Buck Henry goes on the road with some deadheads and film critic Elvis Mitchell takes a look at the controversy sparked by Spike Lee’s new movie on Malcolm X.

[episode no 101 ; Re date 09/17/91]