EARLY CLOONEY

Regarding your well-written piece on the exploitation of older video titles featuring actors with newfound star status (“Step Into the Video Way-Back Machine,” by Donald Liebenson, Sept. 17):

Several years ago I produced “Red Surf,” a low-budget action film that actually contained a bit of thematic substance and character development.

At the time, I refused to succumb to the pressure of casting any one of a number of relatively untalented B-list actors that had some name recognition in favor of an exciting new actor who I felt would deliver the best performance.

This actor, by the name of George Clooney, was not a minor player but rather the lead in our film--perhaps the first opportunity to show that he could carry a movie. In fact, your reviewer, Kevin Thomas, referred to his “charm, ability and star quality.”

As with the other titles you mentioned, be on the lookout for a re-release.

GREG H. SIMS

Los Angeles