In March 2004 his publicist of 14 years, Pat Kingsley, resigned.

Pat Kingsley tends to minimize her role in Hollywood.

Pat Kingsley, a spokeswoman for Mr. Cruise, said the actor had decided against the film for artistic reasons, not financial ones.

Her spokeswoman, Pat Kingsley, said yesterday that the decision had been mutual.

So is Pat Kingsley, a high-profile publicist who is just as well-known for championing liberal causes.

Pat Kingsley, one of the major public relations figures in town, is supporting the Texan, and is meeting with him in two weeks.

What he really needs to do is ask his former publicist, Pat Kingsley, to forgive him for firing her and take him back.

"That is ridiculous," said Pat Kingsley, a publicity agent, when asked if she knew of writers or actors who had not gotten work because of their views.

They are so concerned that they called in Pat Kingsley, one of Hollywood's most influential spin doctors, to help handle the media.

"It's simple, in this town, the name of the game is making money," said Pat Kingsley, a top publicist and former Democratic fund-raiser.