‘Hunchback’ a Film With Life-Affirming Qualities

Your recent articles “Quasi-Adult Quasimodo” (June 21) and “ ‘Hunchback’: Sex, Lies--and Videotapes Too” (June 23) on Disney’s “Hunchback of Notre Dame” border on slanderous and are at a minimum deceptive. As a viewer of the majority of wide-released films, I can’t imagine a more positive, uplifting film. This film is not only appropriate for children, but should be mandatory viewing to expose them to the importance of accepting people’s differences, the true meaning of friendship, romance and community support. To overlook the film’s incredible visual beauty and affective songs in order to haggle over imaginary subliminal messages is a disservice to your readers who look to you for objective insight into the value of a film.

I defy you to identify an animated film that equals “Hunchback” in its narrative, visual and emotional aspects. It is a (rare) life-affirming film that is truly meant for an entire family (that means that adults are allowed to enjoy it as well). Shame on you and your clearly politically motivated staff.

RANDY BAUMBERGER

Los Angeles