1978 04 00 Playboy - Letters

Magazine Overview

This is the April 1978 issue of Playboy Magazine, a publication focused on entertainment for men. The cover prominently features an exclusive from prison with Sirhan Sirhan discussing R.F.K.'s murder and a plan for world-wide terror, alongside a David Frost interview and a pictorial titled 'Sisters: A Photo Gallery Of Sexy Siblings'. The issue also highlights Playboy's Music Award Winners.

Key Articles and Features

Exclusive: Sirhan Sirhan on R.F.K.'s Murder and World-Wide Terror

The lead story is an exclusive from Sirhan Sirhan, who is imprisoned and discusses his involvement in the R.F.K. assassination and a purported plan for world-wide terror. This is presented as a significant exclusive for the magazine.

David Frost Interview

The issue includes an interview with David Frost, a prominent interviewer, though the specific topics covered are not detailed on the cover.

Sisters: A Photo Gallery Of Sexy Siblings

A pictorial feature showcases 'Sisters', presented as a photo gallery of sexy siblings, a common theme in Playboy's visual content.

Playboy's Music Award Winners

Another highlighted section announces Playboy's Music Award Winners for the year.

Letters to the Editor

The letters section features a variety of reader feedback:

• Bruce Bunting praises a story titled 'The Henry Miller Dawn Patrol' by Philip José Farmer, calling it the century's best piece.
• Kelly Bayes and Gerald Hansen also commend 'The Henry Miller Dawn Patrol' as well-written and funny.
• Denny Daley considers Philip José Farmer's work 'quintessential Farmer' and 'superlative'.
• Michael K. Goi inquires about a woman in a photo from the 'Film Makers' Fantasies' feature, who is identified as Karen Leigh, a future Playmate.
• Robin Whitt expresses admiration for Jean-Paul Sartre's views on women and relationships, as presented in 'A Conversation About Sex and Women' by Catherine Chaine.
• John D. Saville and Tom Liski praise 'Miss January', Debra Jensen, as the most beautiful centerfold in a long time.
• Students from the University of Georgia also laud Debra Jensen's beauty.
• Tom Vincent notes the beauty of neighbors in Orange County.
• William Edward requests another shot of Debra Jensen.
• Kevin St. Onge writes to correct a claim about card throwing records, stating he holds the Guinness Book of World Records for playing-card throwing, surpassing Ricky Jay.
• The magazine acknowledges St. Onge's record, noting he threw a card 153 feet, 7 inches at 98 mph.
• Robert A. Mednick, Ph.D. corrects an error in a review of his research on sexual-fantasy patterns, clarifying his name and the nuances of his findings regarding male and female fantasies.
• Glenn G. Galtere comments on the 'Sandstone Revisited' article, suggesting a disconnect from an 'Eden experience' of open sexuality.
• John F. Schuessler praises Playboy's panel on UFOs, noting it broke the 'sound barrier' on the topic.

UFO Discussions and Sightings

Several letters and features focus on UFOs:

• John F. Schuessler commends the January panel on UFOs.
• Jennie Zeidman challenges Philip J. Klass's research on UFOs, citing her own research and questioning his credibility.
• Steve Tuttle shares a photograph of a UFO he saw, describing it as looking like two silver coffee-cup saucers together, with markings.
• Andrew Tabor and Gavin Watson from Williams College provide a photo taken during a lunar-photography session, showing a UFO with a shadow on the lunar surface, suggesting it's not Earth-bound.
• Philip J. Klass is mentioned in relation to spaceship travel times to Earth.
• Christopher J. Barker speculates on the travel time for advanced alien races.
• Ric DeGunther calls for more scientific technique in UFO research, criticizing the pessimism of Mr. Klass and Dr. Taves, and the optimism of Dr. Vallee.
• A photograph is presented of a 'commonly reported UFO occupant' based on research by Hayden C. Hewes.
• Dave Rogers expresses skepticism about UFO sightings, citing Charles Hickson's description of alien hands as 'claws or mittens' as unconvincing for an advanced species.
• Philip De Guard suggests delving into the backgrounds of UFO experts.
• K. Keller believes in UFOs and hopes for future understanding.
• Steve Rust hopes for a learning approach if unknown intelligence communicates with Earth.
• Victor Jean-Pierre references J. Allen Hynek's influence on his undergraduate understanding of intelligent life in the universe.
• Michael Sellars hopes for government investigation into UFOs and humorously requests a centerfold of a seductive Martian female.

Film and Entertainment Reviews

• Jim Harwood's article 'Hollywood Goes Big-Budget Bananas' is discussed by Carl G. Pretko, who disputes the claim that Wilkes-Barre's downtown theaters are extinct, noting new openings.
• Ronald Brooks and others from the College of William and Mary enjoyed 'The Hollywood Hustle' game, playfully suggesting additional unconventional movie references.

Club Med Promotion

A full-page advertisement promotes Club Med, offering a free book detailing its resort villages worldwide and its unique vacation philosophy.

Other Content

The issue also includes a section on 'Cycles for City Guys' and a mention of 'Dis-Covering Rita', with a reader questioning a similarity to a previous cover.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers a range of topics including celebrity interviews, photography (particularly of women), psychological and sociological commentary, and a significant focus on UFOs and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into controversial subjects, presenting diverse viewpoints from readers and experts, while maintaining its core identity as an entertainment publication for men. There's a clear interest in pushing boundaries, whether through exclusive interviews, provocative photography, or discussions on topics like UFOs and sexuality. The magazine encourages reader participation through letters, reflecting a desire to engage with its audience on a wide array of subjects.