Lull in Frost Show

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33068, 8 November 1972, Page 4

Lull in Frost Show

Anything that David Frost does on television demands attention, and his “Frost Over America” series has aroused particular interest. But for the sake of the series as a whole, it was almost a pity that he had Richard Burton and Peter Ustinov among his guests, for the others have suffered sadly by comparison. Burton and Ustinov were outstandingly colourful and talented performers. On Monday evening George Burns was no more interesting or amusing than Jack Benny had been. Burns was a likable personality, but in all probability he is an unknown to most young New Zealanders. His chatter was somewhat lame, and even the presence, in the last segment of the show, of Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett failed to revive “Frost Over America.” “Fraud Squad” again presented a very good story — how much better this series is than the first, and even than the opening stories in the current issue. It was a complicated financial tangle which had to be followed, there was a moral issue for the Fraud Squad to meet, but the principals, played by Grant Taylor and Andrew Keir, were so utterly convincing that any problems of plot seemed minor worries. I Cycling no doubt has a considerable following in 1 New Zealand, but it is ■ unlikely to be large enough to account for the exposure the sport seems to get on television. “Grandstand” devoted a significantly large part of its time to the race in the North Island last j week-end. ' The announcer said some- | thing about “the large j crowd gathered” at the top I of Paekakariki hill, and the : camera showed a little 'cluster of spectators. There was only a handful at the finish, yet this coverage, which must have been expensive to the N.Z.8.C., suggested the event was being followed by the nation. I The other major event

covered was the women’s golf international at Shirley, distinguished by a very bright, amusing and informative script by Rodney Bryant, whose gifts in this direction are considerable and match his ability as an interviewer. — PANDORA.