“Softly, Softly” ended on a strong note

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32861, 9 March 1972, Page 4

“Softly, Softly” ended on a strong note

The range of stories in the “Softly, Softly” series which ended on Tuesday evening has been a wide one, so that something fresh has been put before viewers week by week. There was another successful example of the writers’ versatility in the final programme, “Equal Status,” which was far divorced from the catching of criminals or the internal conflicts among members of the squad.

It was a simple but interesting story about Barlow, Watt and Hawkins and their dealings with a couple of young Welsh nationalists. Devoid of mysteries and masterpieces in crime detection, it was still a satisfying study of the principles, and the consistently high quality of performance in even the smallest parts of “Softly, Softly” was maintained.

Stratford Johns has never been better than when he was seated at his desk and

the breezy, talkative Evans, a senior officer in the area, assaulted him with a verbal barrage which left him bewildered and bemused. It was a delightful little scene. Clive Roberts played the young Welshman, whose fervent belief in the nationalist movement cost him his life, with conviction and Clive Morrison, as the weaker vessel who became informer, was also thoroughly acceptable; but they had to compete with strong opposition, for Frank Windsor gave John Watt tremendous strength of character, this part was one of his very best. “Softly,. Softly” will be missed, for even those who see something wrong with everything British would probably agree that it is an outstanding crime series, not so much for the excitements of the chase, but for its authenticity and excellence of writing, casting and acting. sft * SB There was a splendid contrast between the two people who led off in the "Galleiy” programme. The Prime Minister, Mr Marshall, soft-spoken and assured, talked to Geoff Walker about the Government's attitude to South African sport and nothing put to him shook him from his simple “bridges, not walls” statement. He was followed by Dr Germaine Greer, a truly remarkable woman, who cheerfully blended the erudite and the earthy. She is among the most articulate guests "Gallery” has known, and

whatever one’s views of her views, it was a memorable experience, listening to her. * * * "Bracken’s World" devoted itself whole-heartedly to the problem of whether Eva Saunders, played by Lois Nettleton, should or should not do a scene in the nude, she being a happily married woman with two fine children and all. Much ado about nothing. —PANDORA.