Seeing Through Hollywood Ambitions

Is The Times merely a mouthpiece for every ambitious motion picture industry climber with a publicist? “Friendly Takeover” (May 26) on Jeffrey A. Montgomery and his manipulations to purchase Harvey Entertainment Co., and the rights to Casper the Ghost along with it, glossed over the cynicism of the whole affair.

Montgomery was not necessarily farsighted in his realization that classic comic book characters were being snapped up by motion picture studios for use in films; he merely opened his eyes to the fact that the studios can’t seem to make a good film with an original story, so he took advantage of his bank-chairman daddy’s advice and an opportune friendship with a Saudi prince who could put up the cash to snap up one of the few characters left available--hence “Casper” the movie.

Business, particularly the motion picture industry, is a world where shark-like cunning is respected and celebrated. Montgomery’s ability to milk connections and create an enlarged impression of himself should serve him well in his chosen field.

J. SOFTLEY

Los Angeles