The documentary celebrates the life and work of the dramatist, novelist, screenwriter, actor, and public debater Gore Vidal, who passed away on Tuesday, July 31, at age 86. (Click here for TheaterMania's obituary of Gore Vidal.)

American Masters The Education of Gore Vidal, directed by Deborah Dickson, includes scenes from the Broadway revival of The Best Man in 2000 starring Charles Durning, Spalding Gray, and Chris Noth, the 2000 Democratic Shadow Convention, and with Gore Vidal at his home in Ravello, Italy. Many of the author's famous friends -- including Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, Eli Wallach, and Anne Jackson -- appear in the film, reading excerpts from his writings.

The documentary will also air on PBS in select markets beginning tonight at 7:30pm (ET) through August 12 (contact your local PBS station for airdates or check local listings).

To stream the video, through August 9, visit pbs.org/americanmasters or pbs.org/video.