STAR POWER

In her article on Steve Martin playing Sgt. Bilko (“A Wild and Crazy Sarge,” Aug. 27), Kristine McKenna states that playing the same role made Phil Silvers “a star” in the ‘50s.

Perhaps it made him a household word, but--never even having been a fan of his comic style--I know Silvers became a star in 1947 when he opened on Broadway in “High Button Shoes” with Nanette Fabray. He also co-starred with the likes of Rita Hayworth, Gene Kelly, Betty Grable, Carmen Miranda and John Payne in Hollywood musicals that were enormous hits, pre-Bilko. MICHAEL LARSEN

Palm Springs