Ask Mr. Know It All
Q. Why the TV series “Unforgettable” was canceled? I really like the redheaded actress, Poppy Montgomery. It was one of my favorite shows.
R.J., Cumberland, Md.
A. CBS canceled “Unforgettable” on May 13. According to CBS, it wasn’t that the show had poor ratings, but the network just has too many excellent pilots for the new season. However, CBS will bring the show back for the summer 2013 season. You will be able to watch Poppy Montgomery, as she will be returning in the lead role.
Q. A few years ago there was a TV series called “Due South.” Is it on DVD?
A.S., Lewisburg, Pa.
A. The series is available online at Amazon.com.
Q. Why are we taught to mount a horse from the left side only?
L.K., Abbottstown, Pa.
A. In days of old, horses were used for hunting and battle. Customarily, swords and other weapons hung from the left side of the rider’s belt. To keep from poking the horse, the rider would mount on the animal’s left side. Before there were stirrups, it was even more important to be safe while leaping onto the horse’s back. Old habits become traditions.
Q. Back on the farm where I grew up, my grandmamma would end her long day in her chair with a book and a glass of Pimm’s No. 3, as she called it. I no longer live on a farm and my grandmamma is now gone, but childhood memories will last forever. I recently saw a bottle of Pimm’s, but according to the label it’s No. 1. Where did I get No. 3?
S.E.C., West Des Moines, Iowa
A. Your memory is quite accurate, I’m sure. Pimm’s is a brand of liqueur that was first introduced in 1823 by James Pimm at his London oyster bar. At first he offered his drink as an aid to digestion. He served the concoction of gin and secret ingredients in a small tankard known as a “No. 1 Cup,” which, in time, would become part of the name. In 1865, Pimm sold the business and the right to use his name.
Over the years, several new concoctions using other sprits as bases were developed. Pimm’s No. 2 Cup was introduced in 1851. Cups No. 3, 4 and 5 were introduced over the years, and No. 6 was introduced in the 1960s.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the brand fell on hard times. Cups 2 through 6 were phased out, though No. 3 and No. 6 have since been reintroduced. Your grandmamma’s favorite, No. 3, was based on brandy and can be found with the name Pimm’s Winter Cup.
Here’s a simple serving suggestion: In a roly-poly glass, add crushed ice, a generous portion of Pimm’s No. 1 and a splash of ginger ale.
Q. I went to Eddystone High School in Eddystone, Pa. There was a guy named John Aniston who was in many of the school plays. I’m wondering if this is the same John Aniston from “Days of Our Lives.” Also, is he related to actress Jennifer Aniston?
D.M., Parkside, Pa.
A. John Aniston was born July 24, 1933, on the island of Crete, Greece. He was 2 when his family moved to the U.S. He did attend Eddystone High School. He later attended Penn State University, where he earned a bachelor of arts in theater arts. He has acted in more than 40 theatrical productions, including a Broadway musical. He has played Victor Kiriakis on “Days of Our Lives” since 1986. He is the father of actress Jennifer Aniston.
Q. I am a fan of “NCIS,” and I am wondering why Ducky, played by David McCallum, perished. Did he retire or did his contract expire? Also, is Jamie Lee Curtis coming back for the new season? My friends and I think if she comes back and stays, we will go to another program.
Y.Y., Wrightsville, Pa.
A. Jamie Lee Curtis will not be a regular next season. From what little has been disclosed regarding her character, it sounds like her presence will be scarce — if she’s even on the show.
SPOILER ALERT
David McCallum’s character, Ducky, didn’t die. He’ll be back for the new season.
Q. I enjoy watching “Little House on the Prairie” reruns. Are Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Jonathan Gilbert, who played Willie Oleson, related? Did the cast continue acting at the end of the series?
R.W., Redfield, Kan.
A. Melissa Gilbert and Jonathan Gilbert are adopted siblings. Their parents are comedian Paul Gilbert and actress/dancer Barbara Crane. Melissa Gilbert continues her career in show business. She appeared on “Dancing With the Stars” earlier this year. Jonathan Gilbert is a stockbroker.
As for other members of the cast, Michael Landon, who played Charles Ingalls, died July 1, 1991. He was 54. Lindsay Greenbush and Sidney Greenbush shared the role of Carrie Ingalls. The twins lead private lives and occasionally appear on talk shows. Karen Grassle, who played Caroline Ingalls, has continued to be involved with acting and theater. She is now 70 years old. Melissa Sue Anderson played Mary Ingalls. She continues to act, and she wrote an autobiography, “The Way I See It — A Look Back at My Life on Little House.”
Q. I’ve seen ads for DVDs of “The Life of Riley,” staring Jackie Gleason. I don’t remember that series. The one I recall is the series starring William Bendix. I believe Joan Blondell was his wife in the series. When did the programs air?
D.W., Peoria, Ill.
Send your questions to Mr. Know-It-All at AskMrKIA@gmail.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
2012 Gary Clothier