"Quartet" Starring Maggie Smith and Directed by Dustin Hoffman

"Quartet," starring Maggie Smith and Billy Connolly, was released in March 2013 and is actor Dustin Hoffman's directorial debut.

OFFBEAT: Reader wants answer about Dillinger's jail break 'gun'

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Pistorius' brother facing charge in traffic death

JOHANNESBURG | The murder case involving Olympic star Oscar Pistorius took another unexpected turn Sunday with the news that his older brother, Carl, is himself facing charges for the death of a woman in a traffic accident.

Director John Hancock

Origami takes on new facets, new fans

Origami, which began hundreds of years ago in Japan, has in recent decades attracted the attention of artists, scientists and mathematicians, said Vanessa Gould, director of the 2010 documentary "Between the Folds."

This New Year, resolve to get more sleep

In 2013, why not focus on one health change you'll enjoy sticking to: getting more sleep.

CDC says US flu season starts early, could be bad

Health officials on Monday said suspected flu cases have jumped in five Southern states, and the primary strain circulating tends to make people sicker than other types.

Weight loss apps can benefit dieters

So, once again, you resolve to lose weight for the New Year. There's an app for that; or, rather, more apps.

Historic preservationist tells history of area parks in new book

In the 1830s, Chicago, though still a village, had aspirations not only to become a city, but one with glorious parks as well.

Growing animal rescue group is work of teen actor

The person behind one of the country's fastest-growing animal rescues can't even vote yet. And neither can most of the people leading its 10 chapters across the nation.

Illinois sparking a refugee health care revolution

A movement spreading across Illinois is creating a health care revolution for refugees from countries including Burma, Bhutan and Iraq.

Epicurean dishes for everyone

There's a delicious movement taking hold: food lovers everywhere are demanding layers of flavor.

For Ang Lee, all movies are a leap of faith

NEW YORK (AP) — Is there anything Ang Lee can't do?

Keeping kids and teens tobacco-free

The teen years bring plenty of changes for students, as well as new worries for parents. Smoking is at the top of that list for many parents.

Fairy Tale Reflection: Rodgers & Hammerstein's 'Cinderella' comes to the Marriott Theatre

Matt Raftery, originally from Park Forest, Ill., and now one of Chicago theater's young and promising directors and choreographers, is his own Chicago's South Side "Cinderella" story.

Hobart/Lake Station chambers still testing waters prior to any merger

A merger proposal to join the Hobart Chamber of Commerce and Lake Station's is only in the talking stage, chamber officials say.

Director and Choreographer Marc Robin

Director and choreographer Marc Robin says his new production of "Dreamgirls," now at Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire until Nov. 4, is a long-overdue stage treatment of the musical show biz journey.

Mrs. Potts and Chip are Framed by Babette and Madame de la Grande Bouche in "Beauty and the Beast" at Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Emilie Lynn (left) plays Babette the Feather Duster, Mary Ernster is Mrs. Potts with John Babbo as Chip the Teacup, and Joelle Lamarre (right) as Madame de la Grande Bouche the Wardrobe in Chicago Shakespeare Theater's production of "Disney's Beauty and the Beast" directed by Rachel Rockwell…

Cast and Crew for the Movie "Washing Away" on the Laundromat Set in Highland, Ind.

Directors Kendall Goldberg (left to right) and Frances Hughes with actress Amy Rapp and actor Henry Hughes and producer Kyle Witvoet are shown Thursday, July 19, 2012 at Quick Wash Laundromat in Highland, Ind. on the set of the film "Washing Away."

New director named at Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor

Indiana's statewide port authority has named Anthony Kuk as the new director of the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor in Portage, a spokesman for the agency said Friday.