I enjoyed Peter Tonguette’s article on Jean Renoir’s 1951 film “The River” (Masterpiece, Sept. 4). When Renoir was in Calcutta to shoot the movie, he was helped in location scouting by a young local ad executive and book-cover designer who was so inspired by Mr. Renoir that he decided to pursue filmmaking. He even talked about the novel he wanted to film with Mr. Renoir, who encouraged him to pursue his passion. That young man, Satyajit Ray, became one of the 20th century’s greatest filmmakers and that first movie, “Pather Panchali” (“Song of the Little Road”), a masterpiece. If Renoir hadn’t gone to India, there may not have been a Ray.

Soumitra Sarkar

Long Beach, Calif.