JACK NICHOLSON

Thank you very much for the treat of the Two Jacks--Mathews and Nicholson (“Jack, Laid-Back,” by Jack Mathews, Aug. 5). I’ve been enjoying Mathews since he was with the Detroit Free Press and Nicholson before that, I suppose.

Jack Nicholson can put a friendly face on evil better than any American actor, including Brando. That’s why I had to laugh when he said: “The rogue male is a character the audience just won’t buy.” Hey, Jack! This is Fred you’re talking to.

If that were true, you wouldn’t have a career.

FREDERICK CLEVELAND

Hollywood