John Gielgud

An era has closed with the death of the magnificent actor, John Gielgud (May 23). Among his limitless talents, he could express the dry British wit better than almost anyone.

My favorite exchange of his was in the film “Murder on the Orient Express,” in which he played a proper English butler. A bawdy Italian named Foscarelli notices that Gielgud’s character is reading a book, about which Mr. F. asks: “Is it about sex?” Without batting an eye, Gielgud consults his watch and replies: “No, Mr. Foscarelli, it’s about 10:30.”

THOMAS E. BRAUN

Palmdale