Author and actor Steve Martin chats with mathematician Robert Osserman of the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI) in Berkeley, at San Francisco's Herbst Theatre. They discuss literature and mathematics, why two banjos are like one slide rule, and whether we really know what pi is. Steve Martin reads and enacts excerpts from his works, reminisces about his work for the Smothers Brothers, and discusses the authors who influenced him. Once it's noticed that Robin Williams is in attendance in the audience—and subsequently invited onstage—the hilarity of this event as it spins out of control has to be seen to be believed!
| Name | Type | Role | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Martin | Host | Himself / Host | |
| Robin Williams | Guest Star | Himself / Audience Member |