‘39 Credits

In Jack Mathews’ article (notice how I mention the name of the writer) about the greatest year in Hollywood history, 1939, Mathews and/or the editor carefully listed the major Oscar categories for 1939--picture, best actor, supporting actor, best actress, supporting actress, director, original story and screenplay.

All the nominees are named in the above categories except for two: original story and screenplay.

Therefore, it is not for us to know who wrote “Goodbye, Mr. Chips,” “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” “Ninotchka,” “Wuthering Heights,” “Bachelor Mother,” “Love Affair” and “Young Mr. Lincoln.”

These movies are part of literature and part of history. Having no writer attached leads one to think that no writer existed. But then again, where would the nominated stars, supporting actors, directors be if no writer existed?

LEONORA THUNA

Santa Monica

Lewis R. Foster is credited with “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” the original-story Oscar winner ; Sidney Howard won the screenplay Oscar for “Gone With the Wind.”