Kirk Browning
Director
About This Interview
Kirk Browning (1921-2008) was interviewed for four-and-a-half hours in New York, NY. Mr. Browning spoke of his early days in television working on live broadcasts at NBC-TV. Next, he described his work for NBC Opera Theater, working with Samuel Chotzinoff on productions such as "Amahl and the Night Visitors" and "Billy Budd," as well as telecasts featuring Arturo Toscanini conducting the NBC Symphony Orchestra. He also talked about directing the NBC Opera Theater production of "Carmen," the first color broadcast for NBC, and such shows are Producers Showcase, Shirley Temple's Storybook, and the Christmas special "Once Upon a Christmas Time." He recalled leaving NBC and moving to the New York PBS affiliate WNET, where he directed such shows as NET Opera, Theater in America and Great Performances . Next, Mr. Browning discussed in detail his work for PBS' Live from the Met and Live from Lincoln Center , a series which he has directed since 1975. He also recalled his work on PBS' American Playhouse, including presentations of "Fifth of July" and "The House of Blue Leaves." The interview was conducted by Henry Colman on May 13, 2000.
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Interview
- Part 1
- Introduction
Clip begins at: 0:0 - On his early years and influences; on his World War II U.S. Military service; on first seeing television; on his first jobs in television as a stage manager for NBC
Clip begins at: 00:47 - Part 2
- On the state of early television at NBC; on the layout of the studios; on his work for NBC Opera Theater, working with Samuel Chotzinoff on productions including "Amahl and the Night Visitors"
Clip begins at: 0:33 - Part 3
- On his work on NBC Opera Theatre
Clip begins at: 0:33 - Part 4
- On directing NBC Opera Theatre (cont.); on the series' demise
Clip begins at: 0:22 - On being a staff director at NBC
Clip begins at: 24:36 - Part 5
- On Arturo Toscanini; on directing for Alcoa Goodyear, Producers' Showcase, Omibus, Shirley Temple's Storybook, The Frank Sinatra Show
Clip begins at: 0:19 - Part 6
- On directing the first episode of The Frank Sinatra Show (cont.)
Clip begins at: 0:24 - On various shows and specials he directed; on his directing style
Clip begins at: 06:25 - Part 7
- On directing NET Opera
Clip begins at: 0:24 - On directing Theater in America; Great Performances, and Live from Lincoln Center
Clip begins at: 14:39 - Part 8
- On directing musical performances; on directing Live from the Met and American Playhouse; on his advice to aspiring directors
Clip begins at: 0:26 - Part 9
- On the future of television; on how would like to be remembered
Clip begins at: 0:23
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