Mamoulian

Rouben Mamoulian directed stars of the stage and screen but he himself was a star of the first magnitude and held his own from the very beginning in this country. Your obituary (Metro, Dec. 6) states that he was Russian born, but both of his parents were Armenian and figured prominently in the local Armenian community. In fact, his mother, Virginie Mamoulian, had appeared on the Russian stage, and in Los Angeles acted on the Armenian stage with the verve and vitality of an ingenue! The Mamoulian hospitality was warm and convivial and communication flowed with a touch of cosmopolitan flair together with the champagne.

I had the privilege of reminiscing about his parents with Mamoulian at the Los Angeles County Museum a couple of years ago when “Queen Christina” was shown. It was a heartwarming experience to be present when Mamoulian received standing ovations and enthusiastic applause. There seemed to be many in that audience who recalled his bravery and refusal to compromise his artistic integrity throughout his career.

SHERRY TERZIAN

Los Angeles