Mail

Johnny Cachet

Thank you very much for putting John Travolta on your cover ( 245, Oct. 21). His talents have truly been unappreciated by the media and public that once flocked to his films. It's tough to find in-depth articles on John Travolta and his work, but as always, Entertainment Weekly came through. Welcome back, Travolta. Pulp Fiction is brilliant; the Oscar is yours.
Brian Cleary
Quincy, Mass.

Really enjoyed the Travolta cover story. As a Scientologist, I did find one thing offensive — the term ''quasi religion.'' As of October 1993, the Church of Scientology is fully recognized by the I.R.S. as a bona fide church in the U.S.
Rex W. Layton
Lapel, Ind.

Your article on John Travolta contained some false information about the Church of Scientology. Scientology is an applied religious philosophy that deals with man as a spirit and is devoted to the rehabilitation of one's spiritual abilities. The highest courts of many countries around the world recognize that Scientology is a religion.
Cheryl Duncan
Director of Special Affairs
The Church of Scientology
Celebrity Centre
New York City

Where's all the hoopla about Pulp Fiction's real star? Sure, John Travolta was good, but Samuel L. Jackson's was the best performance of the film. Where's his cover and all-too-in-depth article?
Lori McDaniel
San Clemente, Calif.

Bald Ego

In reference to ''Where Egos Dare'' (News & Notes), I knew Marlon Brando when he was a shy 23-year-old, in great physical shape and using his enormous talents to interpret the part of Stanley Kowalski in the '40s. For people who do not know that he was once considered the most gifted actor ever, he is simply a pathetic mess now. For those of us who knew him — and saw him flush those great gifts down the toilet — it is distressingly painful to witness.
I neither know nor care to know the arrogant, gelatinous mass he's become, and I will be grateful when your magazine and others stop giving him space. Let him go back to counting his money.
Florence J. Ring
Scarsdale, N.Y.

Art For Heart's Sake

I am both saddened and disgusted that the Luis Valdez film on the life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo lost its financing because studio suits don't see a profit (News & Notes). Isn't it funny how producers think nothing of opening their wallets for millionaire ''movie stars'' who turn out one costly bomb after another, yet these same producers consider small art films ''always a long shot'' at the box office? There is an audience for films that don't feature cyborgs, serial killers, Saint Bernards, or Sharon Stone. Many of us desire stories rich in emotion and beauty, told by filmmakers who are more passionate about their art than their bank accounts. ''Always a long shot,'' they say? Like Water for Chocolate, I say.
Gigi Duenas Drake
Canyon Country, Calif.

Mulling Martin

Many thanks for your fine profile of Martin Landau! Both the actor and Ed Wood deserve as much visibility as they can get. Ed Wood should not be thought of as a flop by anybody who has done his math. The Specialist opened nationally in 2,522 theaters; Ed Wood opened nationally in 623. Touchstone is dumping a solid, entertaining, thoughtful film for what seems to me to be no reason at all.
Larry Ripp
St. Paul