Watch the full-length program at https://video.pbs.org/video/2365247027/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=pbsofficial&utm_campaign=amms_covefullprogram (US Only)
Mr. Zero. Vague. These are some of the nicknames the celebrated writer and journalist George Plimpton tried on for size during his lifetime (1927–2003). Plimpton did not show much early promise when he flunked out of the college preparatory school Exeter (Phillips Exeter Academy), where generations of his family held an esteemed reputation. In this film excerpt, Plimpton’s son reads from his father’s essay, “How Failing at Exeter Made a Success of George Plimpton.”
American Masters – Plimpton! Starring George Plimpton as Himself premieres nationally Friday, May 16, 9-10:30 p.m. on PBS (check local listings).