“Pukemanu” went out in convincing style

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33065, 4 November 1972, Page 5

“Pukemanu” went out in convincing style

Reservations about | some aspects of “Pukemanu,” as the series proceeded, were inevitable, but Thursdaynight viewers would , probably agree that the final episode, “Vested (Interest,” was very well worth watching, and that in it there was a I maturity and technical . competence above the i usual level.

It was perhaps the most attractive programme, visually, in this series, or the first of the “Pukemanu” stories last year. The story

was stronger, more natural than most, the dialogue — although there will be more complaints about the swearing — lively and usually convincing. “Vested Interest” had a more rounded look than most “Pukemanu” tales, which have tried to do too much, with too many people, at times. The public meeting scene was a difficult one which came off surprisingly well, there was a brief but effective appearance by Selwyn Toogood, and again Tony Barry as Dan Harrington, the trouble stirrer, was the best of a capable cast. Only in an occasional lapse of sound quality was “Vested Interest” deficient. This one really rang true, and there is good reason to believe that the N.Z.B.C. will be facing the problems of a new serial with some confidence. It might be wise to shift it from Pukemanu, however, to some other background, some other story. Although “Pukemanu” was occasionally good, and in this final episode more than that, it could well be that viewers have had enough of the pool table, the bar, and the blasphemy. * * #

“Gallery” again devoted itself to the General Election, and in the opinion of this viewer, none too satisfactorily. After Mr Marshall’s speech on Monday, David Exel cross-examined him vigorously on Tuesday’s "Gallery.” But with Mr Kirk on Thursday night, Mr Exel gave the firm impression that he was applying the soft pedal. Moreover, the survey of public opinion, one on each evening, varied from a random mixture to what gave the impression, perhaps wrongly, of deliberately selected people for interview. These are impressions only, and perhaps not all viewers will agree with them. But most would concede that when the Social Credit leader, Mr Beetham, was being interviewed, Mr Exel was at his worst. Here, a most irritating air of superiority and condescension seemed to suggest that

Mr Beetham and his politics were something of a joke. Yet one might venture to suggest that Mr Beetham survived this insalubrious climate very well indeed, and came out of his “Gallery” interview just as well, probably better, than the other two leaders.

"Gallery” has a very difficult task with the election, in its need to not only be, but to look and sound impartial. On Thursday evening this viewer, for one, felt that it failed. « * *

The beginning of the television coverage of the All Blacks tour was of more than passing interest. One could not but admire the expert, professional recording of the occasion. The variety of camera angles, and the close-ups and the slowmotion replays, made it very well worth watching. The familiar voice of Bill McLaren helped, and so too did his keen observation and eye for detail, his interpretations of some of the finer points in the play.

It was a very good piece of sports reporting. And one can only hope that the size of Thursday night’s audience will be matched next Tuesday, when the Llanelli match is on screen.—PANDORA.