READER BEWARE

In his article “ ‘Dog’ Wags Ethics” (Nov. 9), Clifford Rothman seemed to have missed a major point. “American Hero” author Larry Beinhart; the book’s publisher, Ballantine Books; and Mr. Beinhart’s various agents are not concerned with ethics, artistic rights or a writer’s integrity, but rather selling additional copies of the book. This situation is solely about commerce.

What other reason is there to put Robert De Niro and Dustin Hoffman’s picture on the cover of a book that ultimately has nothing to do with the movie “Wag the Dog,” which we produced? Can it help sell copies of the book? Yes. Is it completely misleading to the public? Yes.

BARRY LEVINSON

JANE ROSENTHAL

New York