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It is sad that the Roman Catholic Church decided not to continue publication of the Review of films [Oct. 6]. It is sadder that the film industry has chosen not to take responsibility for producing films of moral quality. Going to the movies should be an entertaining, and only occasionally a learning, experience. But if we are assaulted by the language and actions on the screen, it is no pleasure.
Bob and Ann Kennedy Tucker, Ga.
Your article misrepresents the motivation of the U.S. Catholic Conference in terminating the Review. The U.S.C.C.'s film reviews and ratings are currently carried in 120 newspapers across the U.S. It was the cost of producing a separate, much less widely circulated publication —not any reaction to the changes in public morality or the church as you suggest —that was the rationale for this decision. The Catholic Church will continue to offer parents balanced and morally responsible appraisals of the products of this influential entertainment medium.
Richard H. Hirsch, Secretary of Communication, U.S. Catholic Conference New York City
Viking Hygiene
Your article on the Viking exhibit at New York City's Metropolitan Museum [Oct. 13] contains a quote from Historian Ibn Fadlan wherein, speaking about the Volga Vikings, he states, "and they do not wash themselves after sex." Yet the Danish Vikings, according to one John of Wallingford, were "hated for their habit of combing their hair every day, taking a bath every Saturday, and changing their woollens at regular intervals." Obviously the Danes brought these habits to England with them. The Volga Vikings may have been a less immaculate bunch, but let's not call all Vikings slobs.
Linda Albelo New York City
As a child in The Netherlands I was reminded daily by my mother of the Viking "monster" reputation. At bedtime, one of the more chilling prayers was, "From the Norsemen deliver us, Lord!" Apparently the aftermath of a witness's account, it was sustained in my mother's family for a thousand years.
Jan Anthony Verlaan Pensacola, Fla.