American Masters Season 2 Episode 9 Ten Year Lunch: the Wit and Legend of the Algonquin Round Table

In American Masters season 2, episode 9, viewers are transported back in time to the 1920s to meet the infamous literary group known as the Algonquin Round Table. This episode, titled "Ten Year Lunch: The Wit and Legend of the Algonquin Round Table," explores the history and impact of this group on American literature, culture, and society.

At the heart of the Algonquin Round Table were a group of writers, editors, actors, and other creatives who would meet regularly at New York City's Algonquin Hotel to engage in witty banter, debate, and intellectual conversation. The group was led by the likes of Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, and Harold Ross, and included other notable figures such as Edna Ferber, Alexander Woollcott, and Heywood Broun.

Through interviews with historians, scholars, and experts, as well as rare archival footage and photographs, this episode delves into the legacy of the Algonquin Round Table and its impact on American culture. It explores how the group helped to shape American humor, writing, and public discourse during a time of great change and upheaval in the country.

In addition to exploring the group's literary and cultural impact, the episode also provides a glimpse into the personal lives of the Algonquin Round Table's members. It delves into their romantic relationships, political and social views, and struggles with alcoholism and mental health issues.

Ultimately, "Ten Year Lunch: The Wit and Legend of the Algonquin Round Table" is a fascinating portrait of one of the most important literary and cultural movements of the 20th century. It offers a window into a time when sharp wit and intellectual curiosity were valued above all else, and when a group of creative individuals came together to challenge and reshape the cultural landscape of their time.