It took years of detective work, to “find” Vivian Maier. What we found was the eye of a master.

From Oz to the moon, Yip Harburg’s lyrics captured America’s hopes and dreams.

When his brother had a stroke, Alvin Straight headed across the Plains to see him. On a lawnmower. (As seen in “The Straight Story.”)

Classical was a bore until Leonard Bernstein aired his “Young People’s Concerts.” (As seen in “Maestro.”)

F.O. Stanley needed a place to die. Stephen King needed a plot. Together they haunt the Stanley Hotel. (As seen in “The Shining.”)

Ma Rainey sang, lived, and became the blues. But there was more to her than that “Slow, Drivin’ Moan.” (As seen in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”)

Gertrude Ederle not only swam the English Channel. She swam it faster than anyone — man or woman. (As seen in “Young Woman and the Sea.”)

It was another night in prime time, 1977, and then “Roots” broke the bonds of denial. (As seen in “Roots.”)

When the “bad break” ended his career — and soon his life — he stepped up to the plate and showed true class. (As seen in “The Pride of the Yankees.”)

Coast-to-coast? Done that. So Matt Green set out to walk New York. Every borough. Every street. Every pier and park. Eight years and 8,000 miles later. . . (As seen in “The World Beneath My Feet.”)

“Network" did not predict populist anger -- it foresaw a network using anger to boost ratings. Sound familiar?

Students called Jaime Escalante “Kimo.” He called them his “burros.” But the key to his success was ganas — the drive to succeed. (As seen in “Stand and Deliver.”)

Silent film was dead. Scandal tainted his career. His mother died. The Depression began. And Charlie Chaplin made “City Lights.”

A half century ago, Hollywood was still fighting World War II. Then came M*A*S*H.

Divorce was in high season when two divorcees, director and screenwriter, took a chance on love — onscreen. Thirty years later, “When Harry Met Sally” remains “the greatest romcom of all time.”

Deaf, dumb, and blind, she lived “at sea in a dense fog.” And then her teacher came. (As seen in “The Miracle Worker.”)