I am happy to report that the legendary director Martin Scorsese reads America—or at least the February 27 issue, which featured an essay on his work by Father Robert Lauder. Mr. Scorsese writes to correct an oft-quoted remark that, it turns out, has been misattributed to his former film teacher, Haig Manoogian:
Thank you for the Rev. Robert E. Lauder’s article “His Catholic Conscience: Sin and Grace in the work of Martin Scorsese” (2/27). I read it with great interest.
I would, however, like to point out one inaccuracy in the article. It concerns the remark, “too much Good Friday, not enough Easter Sunday.” It was made by our parish priest, the Rev. Francis Principe, not my teacher at New York University, Haig Manoogian.
This remark has often been repeated, but seeing it once again in print in America, I remembered Father Principe’s exact words to me, and I would like to take this opportunity to correct the record.
It was after a small screening of my movie “Taxi Driver” in 1976. My then publicist had invited a small group of friends to the Plaza Hotel afterward, including Father Principe. His response to the movie after the screening was, “I’m glad you ended it on Easter Sunday and not on Good Friday.”
This was a personal remark to me, as he knew me well. But over the years it has often been quoted in a shorter version, which has quite a different meaning.
Martin Scorsese
New York, N.Y.
The letter appears in the April 9 issue.
Tim Reidy
I would say though that it is more Old Testament than New Testament.
Travis Bickle shares more in common with the Prophets than with the Lord.
Apart from the moneycollector scene Jesus did not really crack heads.
Great quote though and nice to know that Mr Scorcese is keeping his hand in.