LAUDING LEHMAN

Re Robert Ward’s April 1 review of Ian Hamilton’s “Writers in Hollywood,” I hasten to decline my share of a well-intentioned compliment. In my not-so-humble opinion, it was director Alexander Mackendrick who was the chief creative driving force behind the film “Sweet Smell of Success.” It was his brilliance as director that gave the picture whatever qualities it has that have elicited praise over the years. And apparently neither author Hamilton nor reviewer Ward is aware that Mackendrick is the distinguished director of, among others, two British film classics: “Tight Little Island” and “The Man in the White Suit.”

ERNEST LEHMAN

LOS ANGELES