Remembrances of Things Past

Ruth Rendell's memory has been obscured in recalling the details of my dealings with her (BOOKS, Aug. 18). Several years ago, I inquired about the cost of optioning her book The Killing Doll for a motion picture, not for myself to star in but for my production company to produce. As it happened, no studio was interested in the project. I then withdrew my offer and moved on. It comes as a shock now to learn that Miss Rendell is under the impression that she turned me down because she thought I was unsuitable to play a part, which I had no intention of playing.

Bette Midler

Los Angeles