1940s: Italy, where Williams traveled more than once during the 1940s, is attempting to recover from the devastating events of World War II.

Today: Italy is a major tourist destination now that global travel is common.

1940s: Televisions make their way into people's homes and new, televised dramatic forms such as the situational comedy (sit-coms) are developed.

Today: Most U.S. citizens tune into a favorite television comedy or drama each day of the week.

1940s: Musical films and plays become a dominant form during the Great Depression and continue to be popular during WWII, partly in response to a need for levity and temporary escape from grim circumstances.

Today: Musicals continue to be popular fare on Broadway. They are being performed in smaller off-Broadway productions as well, and various prime-time television shows are beginning to incorporate musical interludes.

1940s: Italian Americans contribute diversely...