Antiwar footing

Manohla DARGIS hates war (films), illustrated by her hysterical rant. She might accept wars fought over “... politics worth dying for ...,” but conflicts fought for “ideals”? Fuggetaboutit. Dargis takes no prisoners, dispatching “Hollywood suits” and classics like “Gone With the Wind” with a manic glee that makes a samurai warrior’s bloodlust seem pale.

Dargis, for all her smarts, can’t discern the difference between politics and policy. The lesson taught by “Mystic River” is not in its production but that archconservative Clint Eastwood employed uber-libs Sean Penn and Tim Robbins in realizing his vision. So much for contemporary political Hollywood blacklisting.

Stuart Weiss

Beverly Hills

Quality of life

Re “Seeking Meaning as They Live Out Their Lives” (by David Weddle, Dec. 28): As the co-founder of an organization that helps thousands of families each year find the “right” retirement or assisted living place for their aging loved ones when their home may no longer be the best option, I feel compelled to mention that with a positive outlook, caring support and making the right residential living choice, a senior can have a successful transition and continue to lead a meaningful life.

They can have as fulfilling a lifestyle as they choose to have, keeping in mind limitations due to their individual care needs. Seniors who flourish embrace the opportunities and create possibilities, explore new interests, or use their skills to benefit others. Seniors who remain productive continue to have purpose, even though their residence has changed. Those who sit around waiting for that next meal likely had a sedate attitude and were also unfulfilled in their earlier years.

Family time is highest on the list for the seniors, and when it is in short supply, it can negatively color the senior’s attitude. If families are distant or nonexistent, the staff at the facility deserves to be applauded for filling the emotional gap. Being included in the lives of their family will oftentimes provide the purpose in the life of the senior.

Lori Solomon

Encino

Lori Solomon is president of Accent on Seniors, a state licensed referral placement service.

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I would suggest that the residents of Summerhill Villa rediscover the delights of their public library as patrons or volunteers. The library will welcome them with open arms; they will find an intelligent, willing staff and a whole world of interest and information waiting for them. The library doesn’t care how old you are or where you have been. It is already paid for and it is yours whenever you want it.

Michael McGrorty

Altadena

Plain speaking

Explaining why so many Brits and Australians are cast in lead roles for films set in the American South this year, a dialect coach says “Southern is easier for non-native American speakers” to learn(“Accent on the South,” by Michael T. Jarvis, Dec. 28).

You know who it’s even easier for? American actors from the South. Granted, finding Southerners with the box-office draw of Nicole Kidman and Jude Law might be difficult, but it’s a stinging insult to the hundreds of fine Southern actors when plum character roles are handed to “stars of the London stage” who mangle the dialect.

Please stop shoveling the baloney about “Cold Mountain” director Anthony Minghella’s tireless quest for authenticity. Looking for Southerners in Ireland and London makes as much sense as looking for magnolias in Mongolia.

Mack Dryden

Valley Village

Thrilled

I appreciated Robert Hilburn’s recent profile of the Thrills (“Erin Go Beach Boy,” Dec. 28). I haven’t picked up “So Much for the City” yet but plan to do so based on his piece. It’s refreshing to see Hilburn put his weight behind a band with a three-page layout (Mark Boster’s barroom shot is fantastic). He’s a fan and it came through.

Trevor Thompson

Newbury Park

His ‘Life’s’ work

Re “Christmas Classic is in his Blood” (by Nancy Henderson Wurst, Dec. 21): “It’s a Wonderful Life,” which I covered as story analyst when it was submitted to Columbia Pictures’ story department in 1946, did originate as a Christmas card, but it didn’t write itself. The author was Philip Van Doren Stern, and it was a blue booklet, 26 pages long. Titled “The Greatest Gift,” it reminded Stern’s many friends that, despite the horrors of World War II, life still offered rewards.

Julian Myers

Marina del Rey

Richard Crenna

I worked for a food catering service at the studios and often came into contact with actor Richard Crenna. I can’t believe you forgot him in “Final Curtain” (Dec. 28). He was such a continuing presence in both movies and TV -- from the squeaky-voiced Walter Denton on “Our Miss Brooks” to the adorable, geeky Luke on “The Real McCoys”; from “The Sand Pebbles” to “Wait Until Dark”; from “Body Heat” to his last memorable role in “Judging Amy,” to name just a few.

He was an actor’s actor who stood by and for his colleagues. Whenever there was an event that needed his guild’s support, he was there. He was great to everyone, always a joke, a pat on the back. There wasn’t anyone who didn’t love him.

Leslie Pegorer

Beverly Hills