Nichols and may take II, an episode of the american masters series, shown on may 22 1996. Nichols and may highlights, from their radio, television, and film bits. They really were genius! Starting with an outline, they added improv; sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. Nichols directed some HUGE films... the graduate, virginia woolf, birdcage, silkwood. I personally LOVE elaine may as actress and director. "A new leaf" (elaine may, walter matthau) is incredible. Although ishtar clearly had issues... but I blame those on warren beatty, who owned the rights. And cast himself. But he should have cast someone else in his role. Jack parr, steve allen, steve martin, and even robin williams talk about the ups and downs of their type of comedy. One problem was that the sponsors didn't always get it. Or the explicit talk of sex. Or cheating on a spouse sometimes caused problems. But when they worked together, it was magic; they really had a great sense of timing and comedy.