Mystery Movie Night on TNT is raising the bar with next Tuesday’s premiere of the holiday mystery movie, Deck the Halls, starring Scottie Thompson (NCIS). And just in time for the holiday mystery movie, I had the opportunity to speak with Thompson about the film, staying healthy throughout the holidays, and more. Check it out:
Deck the Halls is Based on the first book in Mary Higgins Clark and daughter Carol Higgins Clark’s serbes of holiday mystery novels, this warm-hearted story brings together two of the authors’ most popular characters: Cleaning-woman-turned-private-eye Alvirah Meegan, played by Kathy Najimy (Sister Act,Franklin & Bash) and Detective Regan Reilly, played by Scottie Thompson (Star Trek, Skyline). The women investigate the kidnapping of Regan’s father and a young female driver just before the holidays. The race is on to rescue the pair and get them home in time for Christmas. Two-time Emmy winner Jane Alexander (Testament, Warm Springs) plays Regan’s mother, famed mystery writer Nora Regan Reilly. Larry Miller (10 Things I Hate about You, The Nutty Professor) plays Willy Meehan, Alvirah’s husband.
Had you read the first novel in the series from which Deck the Halls is based on prior to be cast or afterwards?
No, I read it after I got the offer. Even though I already read the script and knew what was going to happen, I am a big reader. It was a pretty quick read since it is so suspenseful.
So what was your favorite element of the script, and did it differ in the book?
From an acting standpoint, playing the detective and someone personally involved in the case was the most exciting part of it. It’s not like she’s solving any case, this directly affects someone she loves. So I thought that was my favorite aspect of the script and it is the same for the book as well.
What did you learn from the director, Ron Underwood (Santa Baby 2, Holiday in Handcuffs) while on the set
How to move at an incredibly fast pace and still get as many moments in as possible. He is an incredibly calm human being. We were filming at such a quick pace and he was calm throughout the entire process. It was an 18 day shoot.
Since you are a big reader, what are you currently reading?
I am currently reading Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda. My next books in line are Judi Dench’s Autobiography and… my favorite author ever (Haruki Murakami) just had a book release in October, 1Q84. I am looking forward to reading that.
How long have you been practicing yoga?
About ten years. I spent a long time dancing, professional ballet before I started acting and yoga is a nice way to stay in touch with that.
Can you give advice to those looking to get fit and maintain throughout the holidays, into the new year, and so on?
I say, moderation is the best rule. You want to have fun and enjoy yourself but keep it in moderation and don’t forget to exercise.
Finally, what are your upcoming projects?
I just finished a film called Lake and we’re waiting to see what will happen with that. I also have a few other projects in the works, so stay tuned.
Holiday Tid Bits:
Scottie’s Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving. It’s the simplest of the holidays. It’s just about family and food… there’s no presents or commercialization.
Scottie’s Favorite Holiday Theatre Experience:
I grew up doing The Nutcracker and as many times as I’ve listened to the music, been in the ballet, and seen the ballet… I still love The Nutcracker. It’s a great family story.
Be sure to follow Scottie Thompson on Twitter here.
DECK THE HALLS premieres Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 9pm ET/PT only on TNT.