Overlooked
As an industry organization representing more than 600 of the premiere motion picture and television composers and lyricists, we are writing to express our frustration and dismay over The Times’ exclusion of motion picture music in Calendar’s special Oscar edition (“Aces in the Crowd,” March 21).
The composers, songwriters and lyricists who compose the musical scores or write the songs that so uniquely support the drama add immeasurably to the total viewing experience of these movies. By excluding these important members of the team, The Times has created an impression that music does not really matter. The fact that all five of the films nominated for best picture also contained Oscar-nominated scores as well disproves this theory.
MARK WATTERS
President, the Society of Composers & Lyricists
Beverly Hills
*
Your otherwise excellent “Oscargo” trivia sidebars (March 21) erred when Ingrid Bergman was named “the first former best actress to take a supporting nod.” That credit belongs to Helen Hayes, the winner for “The Sin of Madelon Claudet” (1931-32) and “Airport” (1970).
Also, a tip of the hat to Kevin Thomas for winning the Oscar predictions sweepstakes 19-16 over his colleague Kenneth Turan, a .792 batting average.
JIM PINKSTON
Los Angeles
Only good movies
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