Thank you for your gorgeous cover photo of Frank Sinatra (PEOPLE, Feb. 2). It captured Francis Albert in all his blue-eyed glory. Thank you, too, for the only truly fair story I have read about his "connections" with the Mafia.
Dina Hershberger
Kalamazoo, Mich.
Take your foot off Frank Sinatra's throat. So he's rich, famous and has some friends who aren't too swift. Who cares? I'm a single mother with four kids, working two jobs seven days a week, but when I see a terrific production the night before the Inauguration and Frank sings New York, New York, I become alive and feel it's all worthwhile. Isn't that what his talent is all about?
Joyce Romero
Poway, Calif.
Ever since you and I were both young kids, Francis, I have watched you perform in person, in movies and on television, bought your records and loved every minute. You've been "the greatest" for 40 years, so why do you now want to be someone your fans don't even know? Stop with the gray-haired elder statesman bit. You look like an ad for that old song I'm My Own Grandpaw. Go back to doing the one thing at which you have no peer: belting out songs. That's what we love you for.
Katy Bond
El Segundo, Calif.
The Iranian Hostages
I'm very thankful for the safe return of the hostages and the gala was wonderful, but we have quickly forgotten the return of another hero: the Vietnam veteran. Speaking from personal experience, I hope the government's "welcome home" doesn't turn out for them as it did for the Vietnam vet. If it does, I feel sorry for the hostages and their families. They are in for a terrible surprise.
Sally Gargrave
Little Rock
James Thornwell
One begins to wonder just who "liberty and justice for all" applies to. Since the Army was against Thornwell, who could have possibly been for him? His life is ruined, and it is the Army's fault. No amount of money on earth could make up for his suffering. This incident reminded me of slavery, which has long been abolished.
Cynthia L. Dennis
Rock Hill, S.C.
Picks & Pans
Your review of Neil Simon's Seems Like Old Times disgusted me. The movie has been playing here for quite some time and I have not heard one negative comment about it. Sure, it has no deep, hidden meaning and no dose of symbolism, but it does have one thing that seems to be lacking in today's films: humor. Why must a movie have to be pondered to be enjoyed? Why can't stylish, witty humor be appreciated rather than criticized as meaningless?
Amy Rehnstrom
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Regarding your review of Fleetwood Mac's live album, the "sunny new tune" contributed by Brian Wilson, The Farmer's Daughter, is actually about 18 years old. It appeared on their second album, Surf in' USA, released in 1963.
Dan T. Ricketts
Flint, Mich.
Knott's Berry Farm
I remember my mother taking my brother, sister and me to Knott's Berry Farm to ride the merry-go-round for a nickel. Years later I spent two of my most memorable summers as a Farm employee. The Knotts emphasize that theirs is a family business, very personal and closely knit. This, in turn, is reflected in their employees and in their guests. Someday, with much pride and joy, I will take my own children to Knott's and say, "Mom used to work here!" For good, educational, enjoyable entertainment, KBF beats "the mouse down the road" any day.
Margie Reilly
San Jose
Dr. Christiaan Barnard
Could there be a nightmare more ghastly than lying in a hospital bed hooked up to a machine, trapped by your own doctor who will not allow you to die in a natural way when your time has come? Dr. Christiaan Barnard has a compassionate heart. He wants to relieve suffering—not prolong it. The medical profession has become a fearsome monster to many who would rather die than submit to its callous ministrations.
Berengaria Smith
Watchung, N.J.
A year ago my mother died of cancer. It was known that there was no hope left; it was just a matter of time. I watched for three days as she lay there filled with morphine and other drugs to relieve some pain. It was a horrible experience, and I would never go through it again. If this is a natural way to die, may God be kinder to others than He was to her. I commend Dr. Christiaan Barnard for his stand on this issue and wish him every bit of luck.
Butch Vossen
St. Paul
Anthony Hopkins
I first discovered Anthony Hopkins a few years ago in a remake of Dark Victory, and he has never yet failed to move me by his performances. He shows such compassion, sensitivity and vulnerability that you want to reach out and hug him.
Patti Pearce
Enid, Okla.
Chrystie Jenner vs. Linda Thompson
Chrystie Jenner has every right to talk, as well she should. She doesn't need to go back into therapy for "her neurosis," as suggested by Elvis' ex-lover, Linda Thompson Jenner. Many people, unknown to Chrystie, pray for her inner peace, happiness and success.
L.G. Benedict
Greenville, Mich.
In the interest of fairness, I did not think Chrystie at any time attacked Linda in her interview. Still, in the interest of fairness, I will not attack Linda now. May I just say that I hope she shows as much dignity and courage as Chrystie has—when and if her time comes.
Gail Crandall
Laytonville, Calif.
Saved by the Bell Reunion
The hookups, the meltdowns, the memoires
The case reveals what was really going on what they think of each other now!
