Protagonists in Peril in Holiday Films.

Singer Otis Williams. He was the founder of The Temptations, whose smooth five-part harmonies and synchronized dance steps made them one of the hottest of Motown's super groups. Their hits included "My Girl," "Just My Imagination," and "Papa Was a Rolling Stone." He is the only surviving member of the original group. The Temptations have just released a new CD called “Ear-Resistible.” (9/15/88)

Mavis Staples remembers her father, Pops. Pops died on December 19. (RB of 6/2/1999)

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews “Bach Christmas Cantatas,” a new CD featuring the orchestra and chorus of Emmanuel Music.

Filmmaker Ethan Coen makes movies with his brother Joel Coen. Their films include, "Blood Simple," "Raising Arizona," "Barton Fink," "Fargo," and "The Big Lebowski." His stories have appeared in The New Yorker, Playboy, and Vanity Fair. His first book is called, "Gates of Eden" (Rob Weisbach Books) which is a collection of stories. The Coen Brothers have a new film called “O Brother Where Art tThou.” (10/21/98)