Of course not. The greatest was Sir David Lean. Never made a turkey and not many can say that. From the blithe intimacy of Brief Encounter to the epic grandeur of Lawrence of Arabia. And English, by God! David Taylor, Leeds

In terms of flair, innovation, technique and downright good story-telling, my vote would go to Orson Welles. Steven Spielberg has done some great work, no mistake, but he's taken the best from other directors who paved the way before him, especially Alfred Hitchcock. Julian Hopkins, Germantown, MD, USA

No I do not believe Spielberg should be Number One. Certainly top ten. His contribution to technical achievement, popular culture and ability to tell a story are beyond doubt, but he lacks one crucial quality. The risk factor. Spielberg never took on high career endangering risks as Kubrick(with every picture), Scorsese, Welles, Allen, Chaplin, Stone and even Lucas have done. Please do not claim Schlindlers List to be a risk. A good film but it is almost compulsory for Jewish directors to be involved in a Holocaust project. Spielberg is a fine director deserved of top ten placement, but others deserve the nod above him for career bravery. David Crowley, Perth, Australia

Coppola for the first two Godfathers. Spielberg can have second place for ET. John O'Byrne, Dublin, Eire

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