James Brolin

Holiday movies have taken over my family.  My mother, 83, and daughter, 22, have already sat through at least five or six of the Hallmark Channel and Lifetime confections that are coming at us like plates full of fudge.  When I invited them to join me to view tomorrow night's (Nov. 25) Hallmark Movie Channel Christmas With Tucker, there was Dad, 87, too -- slapping his knee and laughing when the cute puppies appeared.  I am bemused by this, as I am by people's entertainment tastes suddenly encompassing Burl Ives' "Holly Jolly Christmas" for four weeks each year.  But, might as well join in.  After all, our regular shows are going into reruns.

One of the great what-if stories in Hollywood history has Elvis Presley turning down the starring role opposite Barbra Streisand in A Star is Born.