The Dick Cavett Show Season 5 Episode 5 Authors: November 9, 1981 John Updike

The Dick Cavett Show was a revolutionary talk show that aired in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Hosted by Dick Cavett, the show featured interviews with some of the most important and groundbreaking cultural figures of the time. The show returned for a fifth season in 1981, and on November 9th of that year, it featured an episode titled "Authors."

The guest for this episode was the renowned American writer John Updike. Born in 1932, Updike was best known for his novels, which often explored the complexities of modern American life. By the time of his appearance on The Dick Cavett Show, he had published over 20 books, including Rabbit, Run, Couples, and The Witches of Eastwick.

The episode begins with Cavett introducing Updike and discussing his latest book, Rabbit is Rich. The two men then launch into a wide-ranging conversation about Updike's life and work. They discuss his upbringing in Pennsylvania, his time at Harvard, and his early career as a writer. Updike talks about the challenges of writing, and how he manages to balance his personal life with his creative pursuits.

Throughout the episode, Updike and Cavett touch on a number of important cultural and political issues of the day. They talk about the Reagan administration and the state of the American economy. They discuss the rise of feminism and the changing roles of men and women in American society. They also talk about the rise of technology and how it's changing the way we communicate and interact with each other.

One of the highlights of the episode is Updike's reading of a passage from Rabbit is Rich. The scene he reads is a powerful and moving depiction of a middle-aged man grappling with his own mortality. Updike's reading is masterful, and it's clear that he has a deep understanding of his characters and their motivations.

As the episode draws to a close, Cavett and Updike discuss the state of literature and its place in American culture. They talk about the importance of reading and how it can help us to better understand ourselves and the world around us. They also touch on the decline of print media and the rise of digital technology.

Overall, "Authors" is an engaging and insightful episode that offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of America's greatest writers. Updike's wit and intelligence are on full display, and his conversation with Cavett is both enlightening and entertaining. Whether you're a fan of literature, politics, or culture, this episode is well worth a watch.