Variety’s Bart deserves respect

Re “Change at Variety starts with Peter Bart,” April 7

The dismissive tone adopted by various media commentators toward Peter Bart is a bit much.

Whatever perceived failings or outrages are pinned on him for his Variety tenure, keep in mind that Bart’s not just another shill for showbiz or a self-appointed Hollywood guru.

Bart has produced movies and written several books, and he was indispensable to the regime at Paramount that gave birth to the last golden age of American movies, of which “The Godfather” is but one example.

Failure in Hollywood may be an orphan, and success usually manifests an extended family that defies genetic probability -- but Bart is the real deal, whose creative gifts and vision have helped shape the movie business over the last 40 years.

He deserves fewer sneers and more credit.

Michael Jenning

Van Nuys