Web posted on: Friday, June 19, 1998 5:11:32 PM

• Siskel back, and ready for bad movies
• Damon, Affleck up for Humanitas Prize
• Jagger laryngitis cancels another Stones show
• Spector testifies in Ronettes trial

Siskel

CHICAGO (CNN) -- After returning to the TV studio for the first time since undergoing brain surgery, movie critic Gene Siskel on Wednesday opened the episode of "Siskel & Ebert" with a warning for filmmakers: "To Hollywood I just want to say: 'Just when you thought it was safe to make a bad movie, I'm back.'" The Chicago-based critic underwent surgery last month to remove a growth from his brain. Siskel, 52, and co-host Roger Ebert are in the 23rd season of their show, which airs each weekend in national syndication.

"Good Will Hunting"

LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have been nominated for the Humanitas Prize, which honors screenplays that illuminate life and foster respect and compassion. Their screenplay for "Good Will Hunting" is one of nearly 40 scripts up for the prize. Others include James V. Hart and Michael Goldenberg's script for "Contact," and Richard Friedenberg's script for "The Education of Little Tree." The winners, who will share $120,000 in prize money, will be honored July 9 at a luncheon given by the Human Family and Educational Cultural Institute.

The Rolling Stones

BILBAO, Spain (CNN) -- Rolling Stones fans in Spain won't get what they want, until Mick Jagger gets what he needs -- rest. The Stones frontman is still suffering from a bout with laryngitis, forcing the supergroup to cancel Thursday night's concert in the northern Spanish city of Bilbao. About 40,000 tickets were sold. Jagger has had a bad throat for weeks. The Stones canceled their date in Milan, Italy, a few days ago because of his laryngitis.

Spector

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Music producer Phil Spector took the stand in his own defense on Thursday in a civil trial in which the 1960s group The Ronettes are suing him for millions of dollars in royalties. Spector, who testified as a hostile witness, said that the women that made up the group -- including his ex-wife -- actually owe him money. Spector testified that the cost of recording the 28 songs made by the Ronettes far exceeded his income. The Ronettes claim they have not received any royalty payments from Spector since 1964, except for $14,000 which they split evenly among themselves.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.