Letters to the Editor: 09.11.97

Don't Recall

Hackensack, N.J.

September 4, 1997

Dear Mrs. Rattray,

I just finished reading "Playing Favorites" by Phyllis Raphael. I don't recall Betty Grable, John Wayne, and Carmen Miranda ever being in a movie together. But I do recall John Payne starring with the two actresses. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Best wishes,

AUDREY McGUIRE

Ms. McGuire is right. See the next letter. Ed.

Changed The Name

New York City

September 8, 1997

To The Editor:

In my story, "Playing Favorites," published last week in The Star I think a well-meaning copy editor changed the name of the '40s movie star John Payne to John Wayne. The change gives an entirely incorrect context to the story which is about a child's mimicry of the 20th Century Fox movie musicals of the '40s which starred such luminaries as Betty Grable, John Payne, Don Ameche, Carmen Miranda, and Xavier Cugat. John Payne was a romantic movie "pretty boy," perfectly suited for playing musical comedy heroes. And John Wayne was . . . well, John Wayne. The opening lines of the story should read, "When my sister Bonnie was 5 years old my mother took her to a Betty Grable-John Payne movie, and when they came home Bonnie began to sing."

Sincerely,

PHYLLIS RAPHAEL

Airport's Runways

East Hampton

September 5, 1997

Dear Helen:

I was pleased to see the East Hampton Democratic platform state unequivocally that the party does not support expansion of the airport's runways.

Republican Tom Knobel is headed for a nose dive if he thinks the majority of East Hampton's residents want more and larger jets making more and larger noises above our backyards.

An updated terminal building is okay. A longer and wider and thicker runway - no way.

I'm voting Democratic this November so I can try to hang onto what's left of my peace and quiet.

Sincerely,

VALERIE POLICASTRO

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