Mail Page

'Cinderella' Story

When I pulled the June 10 issue out of my mailbox I got a knockout punch (staring into Russell Crowe's eyes on your cover). After being revived, I rushed to let you know how much I enjoyed Josh Rottenberg's story (''The Champ'') and Lisa Schwarzbaum's review. Crowe is the best reason to go to the movies, and you are the best reason to go to my mailbox.
CECILIA PELKE
Pompano Beach, Fla.

Thank you for the fantastic story on Russell Crowe, and for reaffirming what this longtime fan has always known: that he is talented, intelligent, articulate, and jaw-droppingly handsome. (I nearly fainted at the cover picture!) Hopefully, others will read interviews with the enigmatic star and allow that to shape their view of him, rather than listen to gossipmongers. This true artist certainly deserves to have that black hat removed!
DANIELLE SCHULTZ
DanielleGering@aol.com
West Bend, Wis.

After reading your interview with Russell Crowe, I was convinced more than ever to stay away from Cinderella Man. The man's arrogance is staggering. Glad to see the film opened beneath expectations. Perhaps his next movie should be something the public wants to see — a hotel worker beating Crowe with a telephone. That'd be a real feel-good hit!
SAM NOVAK
samlmt@bellsouth.net
Fort Lauderdale

Show of 'Hands'

Thank you, EW, for your article on Manos: The Hands of Fate (''The Worst Movie Ever Made''). This is the type of story that makes you stand out from the competition and keeps loyal subscribers anticipating every issue. As an El Pasoan and amateur filmmaker, I can relate to the driving desire to make movies. If Ed Wood taught us anything, it's that we can fall in love with a bad movie made with passion, rather than one made with greed.
F. HEREDIA
fheredia7@netzero.net
El Paso

It was with dreadful, demented delight I read Dalton Ross' article on Manos: The Hands of Fate. As a child I attended the El Paso premiere in 1966. At the time I did not understand why, at the end of the film, we were sneaking out of the theater. The reason was my father appeared in the film. William Bryan Jennings (now 85) played the cop, so close yet so far away from saving the trapped family (nothing could save the film, however). In my own career I have been in some clunkers, but I doubt those shall attain the ''illmortality'' of Manos. When the DVD came out, I made Christmas presents of it to my family. Upon seeing it, my mother laughingly cajoled, ''Oh, my. Why can't they just let that thing die?''
BENTON JENNINGS
Los Angeles

Prince Albert

Thanks for the eulogy for a great actor, Eddie Albert (News & Notes). His wit and comic timing will be missed. But you forgot to mention perhaps his greatest performance: as the Trump-like mogul Helmes in 1986's comedy Head Office. As the head of INC, a huge multinational conglomerate, Eddie's character stays in touch with the common people by personally reviewing and shutting off their phone service. Priceless.
LANCE HARKE
lharke@harkeclasby.com
Miami Shores, Fla.