I am writing in response to a letter from Mr Bert Smethurst, as featured in your letters page of May 19, regarding a recent poll of the 100 greatest movie stars with which he had taken issue.

As a young person, I have a tremendous appreciation of those screen idols of the past, and agree that it is out of order to omit Alec Guiness and James Cagney from such a list.

But, if I can admit to my fondness of 'old school' movie magic, then Mr Smethurst needs to reassess his feelings towards contemporary stars who represent youth culture.

I take particular exception to his dismissal of Johnny Depp and River Phoenix -- the latter being a beautiful and vulnerable icon in the same vein as Marilyn Monroe, and the former one of the most versatile talents of his generation.

Simply because they have a contemporary aesthetic and rebellious iconography is not reason to deem them inferior.

Not all the great movie stars are washed-up by history; some are still evolving as I write. Youth icons are every bit as intrinsic to the cinematic fabric as their predecessors. So take note, you golden oldies and supposed film buffs!

David Percival Jnr

Crompton Way

Firwood

Bolton