Jaclyn Smith, Actress?

Casting director-producer Stone makes a statement I find disturbing: Referring to Smith’s castability, Stone says, “You don’t put her at the top of the list for, let’s say, a street person or bag lady. There is a certain amount of inherent dignity that she has, class, beauty that is hard to hide. . . .”

I think Stone gives voice to a widespread (even unconscious) attitude that equates homelessness with facelessness. Although looks, to a point, and class status can be bought, dignity is as evident on a street corner as in an ivory tower.

MICHAEL GOUGH

Van Nuys