Pop culture Q&A

June 6, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

By Rich Heldenfels

McClatchy Newspapers

Q. What happened to the show “Witches of Eastwick?” It was on last season on ABC. I thought it was the best. Do you know if any of the stars are working on any other series?

A. The series, based on the book and movie “The Witches of Eastwick,” was called “Eastwick.” ABC decided not to renew it for a second season. None of the main performers is in a new series.

Q. Can you tell me when “Big Brother” will be back?

A. The series begins a new season July 8.

Q. I just watched “Defying Gravity” on DVD. I know the show was canceled by ABC but not why. I thought it was good. Any chance another network may bring it back?

A. The series did not deliver the audience ABC hoped for (although there’s some question whether ABC really tried to make it a hit). The sets have been destroyed and the actors released from their contracts, so any revival would be a long shot. But the show did have long-term plans, and you can find an interview with series creator James D. Parriott at www.cliqueclack.com/tv, where he details what was going to happen next.

Q. Lunch rides on this. After the gecko gets sucked up the mail tube in the Geico commercial, what does he say?

A. Thinking back on that experience, he says, “I still have nightmares.” You can see that ad and others from the company at www.geico.com/about/commercials.

Q. Has the movie “Irma La Douce” ever been on VHS or DVD? It is an oldie but goodie with Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine. We could use some of that good humor and laughter.

A. It’s been released on DVD and VHS, although you’ll have to check old-tapes sellers for the VHS. If your video retailer can’t get the DVD, try online vendors such as Amazon.com.

Q. Some time back, I was watching a show where the topic of it was “Why are the 48 states shaped like they are?” I can’t seem to find anyone that knows. Do you know what the channel might have been?

A. You may be thinking of a History Channel show called “How the States Got Their Shapes,” based on the book of the same name by Mark Stein. The program also has been released on DVD. And YouTube has a speech by Stein on the topic.

Q. I saw a movie called “Fiesta” by MGM in 1947, which starred Esther Williams and introduced Ricardo Montalban. I cannot seem to find it anywhere and would love to purchase it.

A. The movie is in the DVD box set “TCM Spotlight: Esther Williams, Volume 2.” The set also includes “Thrill of a Romance,” “This Time for Keeps,” “Pagan Love Song,” “Million Dollar Mermaid” and “Easy to Love.”

Q. I saw a movie years ago about a girl who randomly picked a phone number out of the book and called a number. She said “I saw what you did and know who you are.” She did not realize that she was talking to a man who had just killed his wife. He tracks the girl down. Do you have any idea of what movie I am talking about? The young actress has played in many movies and shows.

A. Most likely it was a version of “I Saw What You Did.” A 1988 TV version stars Shawnee Smith and Tammy Lauren — both familiar TV faces — as the girls making prank calls and Robert Carradine as the killer. It’s a remake of the 1965 film from horror-suspense director William Castle. Sarah Lane and Andi Garrett, neither of whom had much of a screen career, played the callers, and John Ireland the killer. Joan Crawford is also in that one.