THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK distributed by WARNER BROS. (1987). Many forget that actor, Jack Nicholson was a big movie star during the 1980's. He was also a two-time Oscar winner by '87. He was imitated by comedians and popular at the box office. Film audiences waited with anticipation for his next performance. He could play drama but comedy was his gift.
The production budget climbed to $20 million. It went on to become the 10th highest grossing movie of '87. It grabbed $63.8 million at the U.S box office. (Movie ticket price was $3.91).
"Witches" is based on a book. It surrounds three women who don't know they are actual witches. That is until they cast a spell asking for a certain kind of man (Jack). He turns up and seduces all three of them. The funniest seduction was aimed at the cellist (Susan Sarandon). What these witches don't know is that he just might be the "Devil."
Filmmakers back then were creating new ways to use special effects. Some of the effects in "Witches" seem dated now in 2024. It was exciting and fun for '87. I was in college at the time and waited for films to play at independent film houses with $1 dollar matinees. That's where I saw this film twice and audiences were howling with laughter.
"Witches" was a best seller on VHS home video. You could rent or buy the movie at your local "Blockbuster Video" store. This was of course long before the Internet. Movies would head to video after their theatrical releases.
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