Heard but Not Seen

Your “expert” Kenneth Turan makes a gross mistake in labeling “Beauty and the Beast” a film that “does very well without (actors)” (“Let the Games Begin,” Jan. 12).

What would he call Robby Benson, Paige O’Hara, Angela Lansbury, Jerry Orbach, David Ogden Stiers, Bradley Michael Pierce and the many others whose voices are part of this wonderful film?

Giving voice to animated characters is a special talent. It requires a complete performance using only the voice. No facial expressions, eyes, hands or other body parts to convey emotion.

I do not believe that Turan would even be including “Beauty and the Beast” as a possibility for best picture if it were not for the brilliant work done by the fine actors in the film.

ANNE LOCKHART

Agoura Hills