Ebullient subject for “Gallery” interview

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32967, 13 July 1972, Page 4

Ebullient subject for “Gallery” interview

“Gallery,” says the producer, Des Monaghan, is meant to entertain. The creative producer of this popular current affairs programme certainly proved his point on Tuesday night with the highly-entertaining interview with the colourful American, “King of Torts” Mr Melvin Belli.

"Gallery” of course frequently does more than entertain — it calls politicians to account, investigates controversial issues and takes a look at what has been going on behind the news headlines.

But the programme’s producer is strong on presenting the offering in an entertaining way, and this often results in lively viewing. Mr Belli was made to measure — not only does he possess a famous flamboyancy, but he is used to the medium of television. Lecturing, being interviewed and even acting — these things come easily to a man who is highly skilled in the art of convincing judges and juries.

“Gallery” had gone to a lot of trouble to interview Mr Belli, but the result, ski cap and all, was well worth it.

It was pleasing to see the interviewers merely adopt the roles of gentle prompts —not that Mr Belli really needed any prompting. But they did not obtrude, and like all good interviewers, existed only to ensure that their subject kept talking. And talk he did — not just of his exploits and his escapades, including the one about Errol Flynn and the Parisiennes, but about the law, justice, the effect of punishment and the attitudes of society.

Viewers were not subjected merely to one continual picture of the irrepressible Belli and the interview was cleverly lightened by shots of him walking, skiing, relaxing in the bar, and on the mountainside. One of the most interesting and entertaining aspects of the whole thing was Mr Belli’s own candid discussion of what he did to help his own cases.

For example, how telling was his description of showing the judge and jury an artificial limb, there even seemed to be a catch in his voice as he described the tears falling on the woman’s scarred breast David Exel’s interview with Mr Jeffs fulfilled one of the other important roles of “Gallery” — that of calling public figures to account. Just how this particular optimistic subject measured up will probably be proved by what happens in the future. But it should be remembered that although the more kindly of us have mixed feelings about putting politicians and others “on the mat,” this process on “Gallery” fulfills a most important function of informing the public.

Without the current affairs programme, Tuesday evening’s viewing would be dull indeed, that is if you are not a fan of “Coronation Street.” “Alias Smith and Jones” had one point of interest in that a familiar face appeared in a cowboy hat — it was none other than Patrick Macnee.

There was something quite incongruous watching the dapper man of “The Avengers” scrabbling around among the rocks trying to shoot down a man in cold blood. Certainly it was quite above the impeccable Steed, who would have used a much more sophisticated approach. * sts Hs

It was back to Senator Stowe and power politics when “The Bold Ones” ground through “Power Play.” There were one or two interesting sidelights provided by the inter-play of pressures, but this programme was spoiled by the stretchingout process which seems to be an inevitable accompaniment. sH * » Tuesday night’s offering was rather more like it for “The South Tonight.” An interview of the councillor concerned over the city abattoir issue gave another dimension; missing beer glasses were discussed and we had an interview with a make-up man, Stephen Neal. Perhaps we can look forward to even greater things with a leaf or two being taken out of the book of the programme’s national cousin “Gallery.” — PANDORA’S GUEST.