STANWYCK AS TV CRITIC

I became a cast member of “The Colbys” after Barbara Stanwyck left to pursue her career as a television critic (“Saluting Stanwyck: A Life on Film,” by Paul Rosenfield, April 5).

However, I do not remember hearing that Stanwyck was forced to turn down any other offers in order to accept employment on the show, nor did I hear of any Aaron Spelling Productions paychecks being returned uncashed by her in protest of the show’s lack of integrity.

And taking credit for waiting until she was off the show to start bad-mouthing it at every public opportunity? It reminds one of the old joke about some people in a lifeboat.

A great number of people are trying to earn a living by making “The Colbys” as good a show as it can be, and let the ratings chips fall where they will.

In the meantime, it would be nice of Stanwyck to behave like a professional and clam up.

JAMES HOUGHTON

Los Angeles