‘Cats’ Can Prance

I had the wonderful opportunity to work on “Cats Don’t Dance,” so of course my viewpoint could hardly be called objective. Even so, I would like to present a couple of points that you may have overlooked (“ ‘Cats’ Tries to Mix Parody and Nostalgia,” Calendar, March 26).

Jack Mathews’ premise--that this animated film is a “startling miscalculation”--taints the rest of his review, a miscalculation that could be termed, well, startling.

In what era were “Mermaid,” “Hunchback,” “Beauty,” “Aladdin” and several other thousand animated movies set? At least a couple were before the 1980s, I believe? The parody of old MGM musicals and long-gone Hollywood stars and tycoons is icing on the cake for those who do remember Hollywood’s glory days; if there are youngsters who do miss the great throwaway lines, they’ll have to make do with terrific characters, funny gags, outstanding animation and a story that exalts a never-say-die attitude to keep trying to make your dream come true.

PRESTON OLIVER

Temple City