Though I have no knowledge of the broader relationship between Gregory Peck and Jimmy Stewart ["Back story: 20 years of stars, screenings and survival at the Virginia Film Festival," November 1], and indeed had assumed they were otherwise close friends, I can only recall an awkward distance and seeming lack of rapport during the time they were together in Charlottesville, which was the sole focus of my comment to reporter Lisa Provence.

My wife and I were puzzled by what struck us as a curious estrangement, and felt we had failed to facilitate conversation. That comment may say more about us and our attempted hospitality than about our two eminent visitors, but it is very clearly my recollection of that memorable visit.

Bob O'Neil
Charlottesville

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