Ebert cancer-free, ready to write again

CHICAGO, April 1 (UPI) -- Famed film critic Roger Ebert wrote a letter to his readers in the Chicago Sun-Times saying he is now cancer-free and ready to get back to reviewing movies.

"I am at last returning to the movie beat," Ebert announced in the letter published Tuesday. "I'm looking forward to opening night of my annual film festival at the University of Illinois on April 23, and I will resume writing movie reviews shortly thereafter."

The critic said he underwent his third surgery in January, but revealed his ability to speak was not restored; that would require another operation.

"But I still have all my other abilities, including the love of viewing movies and writing about them," Ebert said. "It was (Paul) Schrader's line from his screenplay for Martin Scorsese's 'Raging Bull' that inspired my acceptance of my bandaged appearance: 'I ain't a pretty boy no more'. ... I am still cancer-free, and not ready to think about more surgery at this time. I should be content with the abundance I have. So that's the latest. I have been so moved by the messages I've received from so many of you. Thank you. Now let's go to the movies."