Embarrassment To End

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30289, 15 November 1963, Page 15

Embarrassment To End

(N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) fore. The show was getting

LONDON, November 14. The 8.8. C. killed off ita most controversial television show yesterday because it had become an embarrassment, the “Daily Sketch” reported. The Saturday night satire show, “That Was The Week That Was,” has been ordered off the air by the 8.8.C.'s board of governors, the newspaper said. It will make its last appearance on Decern-, ber 28 and would not be returning.

Official reason for ending the programme, which was not due to finish its present series until April, is that 1884 is Generad Electian year. The 8.8. C. said that rather ffian dilute political comment in the show—which took politicians as its main target —it has been decided to take it off. But the show’s producer, Ned Sherrin, said: “I think we would have been needed more in 1904 than ever be-

better and better.” Its compere, David Frost, said: “In a way it’s a compliment. I’m delighted the show is being taken seriously.” The Labour Party leader. Mr Harold Wilson, said: “I deplore this decision to abandon T.W.T.W.T.W. for political reasons. The show is widely enjoyed for its handling of political and other questions without fear or favour.” The “Daily Sketch” said the decision to kill the show because of a General Election was unprecedented in television. The 8.8. C. was under no obligation to refrain from political comment until three weeks before the election date, the newspaper said. It said that behind the move there was a series of top-level 8.8. C. rows, complaints over the show, and the fact that its viewing figures bad dropped. Last month more than 800 people complained about the show be-

cause of one political Hem. In this. Frost, dressed as Disraeli. commented bitingly on Lord Home's appointment as Prime Minister.