Remedial Reading

In “From the Ashes, Gingerly,” by Elaine Dutka (Aug. 2), Gale Anne Hurd condemns “The Devil’s Candy,” a book she freely acknowledges she has not read. Had she read it, she would have experienced a fascinating, balanced account of the entire filmmaking process that is, in the end, sympathetic to her husband, director Brian De Palma.

In the article, De Palma said, “No one tells you the truth in this business.” Perhaps Hollywood’s problem is that the people who could benefit most from the truth--executives and producers like Hurd--aren’t interested in listening.

PHILIP B. LELYVELD

Culver City