Q: I loved the movie "The Grifters," and I think it was based on a book. Is that right? Has the author had any other movies made of his work?
The 1990 con-man classic "The Grifters" actually had two different crime-writing legends work on its script.
It was based on the novel of the same name by Jim Thompson, first published in 1963. Thompson was a prolific writer in his day, though he was only recognized as one of the greats after his death, which came in 1977.
Undercover Boss, on CBS
Find out how being on the show has changed the lives of some of the most memorable employees. A minimum wage worker turned franchise owner and a former homeless employee who's moved into her own home are among those profiled.
Glee, on Fox
The kids of New Directions just keep on giving with back-to-back holiday episodes. First, the singers are faced with a difficult decision when they're asked to perform at two different events on the same day. Later, Artie (Kevin McHale) finds out what life would be like if he hadn't been paralyzed.
Q: I just saw the Patrick Stewart version of "A Christmas Carol" and I'm sure I recognized the actor who played his nephew, but I'm not sure from where. Can you help?
Every few years, someone remakes "A Christmas Carol," and people remember the man who plays Ebenezer Scrooge (partly, as you did, so they can describe which version they're talking about). However, few remember the other stars.
In 1999, the TNT cable channel made its own version with Patrick Stewart as the "squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner" (Charles Dickens was a fan of adjectives), and Dominic West as his "ruddy and handsome" nephew, Fred.
Dragons: Gift of the Night Fury, on Fox
Fox has a special Christmas treat for youngsters with this special. Featuring Hiccup, Astrid and Stoick from the hit feature film "How to Train Your Dragon," this touching holiday special follows what happens when the dragons of Berk inexplicably leave.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas, on ABC
Jim Carrey brings one of Dr. Seuss' most famous characters to life in Ron Howard's big-screen adaptation. The actor stars as a cantankerous green creature who's intent on ruining Christmas for the cheerful residents of Whoville.
Q: What ever happened to the girl who starred in "Prancer"? Did she go on to star in any other movies?
Rebecca Harrell Tickell made a go of it as an actress, but never really caught on. That doesn't mean she's left the business, though.
The 1989 Christmas heartwarmer "Prancer," about a little girl who finds an injured reindeer and assumes it's Prancer fallen from Santa's sleigh, was her first acting role, but her performance won rave reviews.
No less an authority than Roger Ebert praised the film, and its nine-year-old star in particular.
Hollywood Game Night, on NBC
Host Jane Lynch brings back the laughs with a special holiday edition of the hit summer series. Two teams consisting of contestants and celebrities face off in a variety of pop culture games. Tonight's guests include Ray Romano, Rachel Bilson and Cheryl Hines.
Get roped in: 'Rodeo Girls' bring their skills to reality TV
Darcy LaPier as seen in "Rodeo Girls"
Whatever it is you’re into, chances are there’s a reality TV show about it. Since “The Real World” helped launch the reality TV genre more than two decades ago, cameras have captured the unscripted antics, windfalls and meltdowns of real people in nearly every type of scenario under the sun.
The Sound of Music, on ABC
Julie Andrews stars as Maria, a young woman who leaves a convent to become a governess in this classic musical. The film, which was based on the iconic Rodgers and Hammerstein stage musical, also stars Christopher Plummer as the widowed Capt. Von Trapp.
