Residual Income

Jack Valenti, Motion Picture Assn. of America president, appears to be either disingenuous or misinformed regarding potential residual income from pre-1960 television programs and movies (“Show Biz Icons With Little to Show for It,” May 17). In dismissing efforts by writers and actors to acquire residual rights to prior creative work, Valenti claims this older work isn’t in demand. “ ‘King Kong’ is not a big seller. No matter what [residual income] you gave Fay Wray, it’s not going to be enough to let her buy a new house,” Valenti was quoted.

But sales of classic works on video cassettes tell just part of the story. For example, a clip of “King Kong” was featured prominently in the recent film “The Cider House Rules.” Mr. Valenti, what could Wray have purchased with residuals from that performance?

LELAND EDWARD STONE

Buena Park