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Film writer Peter Biskind's new book is Down and Dirty Pictures: Miramax, Sundance and the Rise of Independent Film. It reveals the uglier side of independent films, dishing dirt on Robert Redford of Sundance and the Weinstein Brothers of Miramax Films. But it also credits them with transforming American cinema. Hear Biskind and NPR's Scott Simon.

Legendary choreographer George Balanchine was born, who died in 1983, left behind hundreds of original ballets inspired by the unique abilities of his dancers. For Intersections, a Morning Edition series on artists and their inspirations, Kim Kokich profiles one of Balanchine's greatest ballerinas.

In most years, the Oscar nominations help the box office prospects of the movies on the list. But many of the films that could earn nominations Tuesday have already produced big financial returns. NPR's Bob Mondello reports.

Pop singer Cyndi Lauper was huge in the 1980s, starting with "Girls Just Want to Have Fun." Then she faded from the public eye. Now she's back with a new CD that emphasizes some of her favorite classic pop tunes. Hear full songs from the CD and samples of her earlier hits.

NPR's Scott Simon talks with husband and wife Cruz and Robinella Contreras, founders of the bluegrass quintet Robinella & the CCstringband. They got their start playing a Knoxville brew pub. Now the group has a major label record deal and a rapidly growing fan base.

Producer Chris Carey's new reality TV series, Airline, follows the day-to-day happenings of Southwest Airlines employees and passengers. Hear NPR's Brian Naylor and Carey.

Preservationists are battling to save historic theater buildings -- and their classic movie fare. Many sites have been bought by huge cinema chains seeking to prevent competition. One fight is taking place in Bloomington, Ind. Will Murphy of member station WFIU reports.

Music critic Tom Moon says the sale of Warner Music Group brings a definite end to the "artist-first" philosophy that once nurtured talented music acts. In contrast to the fast-moving music trends of today, Warner and like-minded companies were known for allowing musicians to develop, sometimes over several years, rather than demanding a string of hit songs.

The new film Monster, starring Charlize Theron, tells the story of serial killer Aileen Wuornos. NPR's Bob Mondello has a review.

Liane Hansen and historian David Hackett Fischer visit the banks of the Delaware River to discuss Washington's triumphant December 1776 crossing and Fischer's book on the subject.