CULTURE

Wicked author Gregory Maguire on the real meaning of the story that captivated the world

Universal PicturesBefore it was a Hollywood blockbuster it was a megahit musical, and before that it was a 1995 novel.…

2 years ago

Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas is You went from modest 1990s hit to Christmas’s defining song

Getty ImagesWhen it was first released in 1994, it made a mere ripple – but 30 years on, it is…

2 years ago

The British politician who was caught faking his own death

Getty Images(Credit: Getty Images)When John Stonehouse's clothes were found in a pile on Miami Beach on 20 November 1974, many…

2 years ago

Why the poignant Kes is Britain’s greatest coming-of-age story

AlamyFirst released in November 1969, Ken Loach's social-realist tale of a boy who adopts a kestrel still resonates and has…

2 years ago

These five bizarre Surrealist artworks are not what they seem

Courtesy of SFMoMA, San Francisco(Credit: Courtesy of SFMoMA, San Francisco)Dismissed or trivialised by some as unserious and silly, Surrealist art…

2 years ago

The climate warnings in 19th Century paintings

John Brett, 1856. Photo: TateA new exhibition that documents the impact of the Industrial Revolution features several 1800s artists, writers…

2 years ago

Eight photos of the quirkiest groups in 70s and 80s US

Neal Slavin(Credit: Neal Slavin)Celebrating "the joy of being together ", here are eight group portraits – taken by photographer Neal…

2 years ago

How female action stars have wowed through the ages

Eureka EntertainmentThere's long been a misconception that action films are a masculine domain. But female strength and agility have been…

2 years ago

The Pagan origins of familiar Halloween rituals

Getty ImagesFrom outrageous costumes to trick or treat: the unexpected ancient roots of Halloween's most popular – and most esoteric…

2 years ago

How Arnold Schwarzenegger became the bad guy in The Terminator

AlamyThe Terminator was released 40 years ago, on 26 October 1984. James Cameron's science-fiction thriller turned its star into one…

2 years ago