Viewers’ Views

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32210, 31 January 1970, Page 3

Viewers’ Views

Letters on television topics are subject to the rules apply* Ing to general correspondence. PREDICTABLE PIECES To your list of “predictable pieces” might I suggest that you add your regular shafts aimed at American TV features, which we have come to expect regularly since “P.0.V.” started. I sometimes wonder what our learned TV critics would have to fall back upon in a dull period if, say, “Peyton Place” was removed from our screens, though of course any American programme makes a handy target in an emergency. Anyway, do please give us a change from your interminable “8.8.C.-can-do-no-wrong” formula. What about a long hard look at the cackling, whining, yapping inhabitants of “Coronation Street,” or delving into the reason for the comparatively cool reception to “Please Sir” (though this is fairly easily explained—the average Kiwi viewer has better taste than he’s popularly credited with). Do shake something new out of that box of yours!—“ONE MAN’S MEAT ...” ROLANDE AND YVONNE I enjoy your reviews. I do so agree Rolande and Yvonne were so bad, it was embarrassing to watch.— GOOD REVIEWS

If there is any merit in trying and failing, then “One Delightful Evening” has a good case for Yvonne and Rolande. If not too much notice was taken of the farcical mouthing of words, the bad taste and flat notes then this couple should go far.

But if balance is needed why make a spectacle of the local inferior product when we can buy the John Boulters and Robert Gourlets from overseas and enjoy a good standard without having to wince? Surely it is only the parochial who would wave banners for that phony pair who have happily graced our screens for one night only. Critics, after all, are qualified to judge although no-one is obliged to conform with personal taste. However, there are times when the truth may be unpalatable, and on merit Yvonne and Rolande were lucky to escape the “Village Concert” PILGRIM.