ROBERT FROST: A LOVER'S QUARREL WITH THE WORLD (TV)

Summary

In this documentary, American poet Robert Frost discusses his life and poetry as he is followed from his lectures at Sarah Lawrence College and Amherst College to his farm in Ripton, Vermont. Highlights of the discussion include: his early years in San Francisco; his thoughts on poetry and the "momentary stay" it provides against the confusion of the world; his first meeting with poet Ezra Pound; his spiritual beliefs; his reflections on the courage it takes to be 88 years old; his admiration for his country; and his thoughts on being thrust into the public eye. Frost also recites his poems "Reluctance," "Dust of Snow," "Away," "The Objection to Being Stepped On," and "Provide, Provide." He also reads "In Winter in the Woods," a poem he had just written and which, at the time of broadcast, was as yet untitled. Interwoven throughout the interview are old photos and excerpts from previous interviews with Frost. Also included is film footage of Frost accepting an award in March, 1962 from President John F. Kennedy, and visiting the crew of the ship carrier Essex with his great-grandchildren; as well as footage of citizens of Ripton responding to questions concerning Frost. (This program won the 1963 Academy Award for Best Documentary.)

Details

NETWORK: PBS WGBH Boston, MA
DATE: November 30, 1962
RUNNING TIME: 0:50:30
COLOR/B&W: B&W
CATALOG ID: T89:0258
GENRE: Arts documentaries
SUBJECT HEADING: Biography; Poetry
SERIES RUN: WGBH (Boston) - TV, 1963
COMMERCIALS: N/A

CREDITS

David M. Davis … Executive Producer
James H. Townsend, Jr. … Executive Producer
Edward Foote … Producer
Shirley Clarke … Director
Robert Hughes … Director, Producer, A film by
Charlotte Zwerin … Director, Producer, A film by
Charles Gross … Composer
Robert Frost … Special Guest
Ezra Pound
John F. Kennedy