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Jean Shepherd's America

Season 2 · 10 episodes · Apr 16, 1985

  1. Episode 1

    Mosquitoes and Moon Pies

    Apr 16, 1985

    Shep assumes the role of Swamp Man, searching for his roots -- and a pickerel "so big you don't dare look it in the eye" -- as he visits the Okefenokee Swamp.

  2. Episode 2

    Filthy Rich at Last

    Apr 30, 1985

    Shep enjoys a leisurely cruise on a yacht -- or as the old man would say, "a boat that doesn't do anything."

  3. Episode 3

    Bourbon and Major Wilkes' Rocking Chair

    May 7, 1985

    Spanish moss...stately mansions...a mint julep, fine cigar and the rocking chair on the veranda...the best of the Old South comes to life when Shep pays a visit.

  4. Episode 4

    The Great American Tourist Trap

    May 21, 1985

    Shep poses as an American tourist in order to learn more about the more popular vacation spots.

  5. Episode 5

    Cha-Cha Lessons on C Deck at 9am

    May 28, 1985

    Shep boards the S.S. Emerald Sea in Miami in search of true romance.

  6. Episode 6

    Down in Death Valley

    Jun 4, 1985

    Shep and his trusty burro, Flower, wander among mirages and cacti as they follow the trail of the 49ers.

  7. Episode 7

    The Devil on the Bayou

    Jun 11, 1985

    Shep -- as the devil -- spends a weekend in New Orleans. You can see him playing chess...slurping oysters...or accompanying the Olympia Brass Marching Band on kazoo.

  8. Episode 8

    I Love Cars, So There, Ralph Nader!

    Jun 25, 1985

    Shep supervises the assembly of his own Ford Mustang, then takes a lap around Indianapolis Speedway in a 1924 Dusenberg against racing great "Duke" Nalon.

  9. Episode 9

    Chicago, Chicago, That Toddlin' Town

    Jul 2, 1985

    What's Chicago? It's the White Sox; Dave Garroway; the White Sox; Kukla, Fran and Ollie -- and of course, the White Sox. Chicagoan Studs Terkel joins Shep in a celebration of The Windy City.

  10. Episode 10

    Here Today, Guam Tomorrow

    Jul 9, 1985

    Shep examines the life of a remittance man living off government stipend on the island of Guam, the island's local legends, its most scenic places, and the importance of family life to its residents.