Outstanding programme on Sunday evening

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33061, 31 October 1972, Page 4

Outstanding programme on Sunday evening

After the somewhat uninspiring fare offered on the two preceding evenings, Sunday’s television provided a veritable banquet. Maugham, then Manckiewicz, and finally Harold Robbins made a splendid evening’s viewing.

Of course one looks forward to the return of Dr Finlay and his fractious master, but is this adequate compensation for the loss of Somerset Maugham? What a splendid series this has been: and Sunday’s offering was up to the same high standard. Maugham’s ability to make the incredible credible is itself incredible. Daphne Slater’s portrayal of the middle-aged woman falling in love for the first and last time was a masterpiece, and the effect this situation had on all parties concerned was depicted in the inimitable Maugham manner from the practical advice of her friend Janet — "Surely the point of falling in love is to enjoy oneself while one can” — to her outraged husband’s objection to her "slobbering over a beefy simpleton from Borneo.”

Maugham had the ability to present everybody’s point of view as if it were the only possible one. And then, of course, that inevitable wry twist at the end.

The academy award winning “The Bespoke Overcoat” was a beautifully poignant tale of the friendship of two lonely men, magnificently played by David Kossoff and A'fie Bass. The production was sympathetically directed by Jack Clayton.

The Whicker documentary “I Am The World’s Best Writer” ended the evening on the right note. Mr Robbins may not be renowned for his modesty but he certainly gave the impression of genuine belief in his fundamental faith — himselfr And with all Whicker’s skill and experience as an interviewer he managed to ruffle Robbins not at ail. A most interesting interview, and a good ending to a firfe evening’s viewing. — PANDORA’S GUEST.