TV1 IS SITTING ON POTENTIAL WINNER

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33929, 23 August 1975, Page 5

TV1 IS SITTING ON POTENTIAL WINNER

(By

KEN COATES)

Television One is sit-' ting on a potential winner. “The Wonderful World of . . .” pilot programme has the makings of a New Zealand comedy which might become immensely popular. The controller of programmes (Mr Bill Munro) invited me to view the pilot so he could get another outside opinion. It stars John Clarke, creator of Fred Dagg, in various roles. One is an interview of him as New Zealand's entrant in the world poetrywriting champion — and he is questioned in the shower and the locker room, and shown out training on the hills. 1

• I Tina Carline, TVl’s . weather gin, appears in an ■ unfamiliar and glamourous ‘irole and there is an item on ■‘“Chi Chi Fawkner.'' A skit on the hell-for- | leather scramble from Wellington’s railway station each morning to the city’s ’I office blocks receives a well executed “race commentary." There is a lampooning of the “Stallion Arable Car” with musical accompaniment and a "story-time” item in which Clarke plays all roles. Where New Zealand characteristics and dialogue come through loud and cleat ■ the programme is strong. But where John Clarke is in an unfamiliar role, such ■ as in the story about a little boy who finds a gold sovereign, it falls flat. I Most of the sketches are :j too long although they have 'already been pruned.

Highlight of the programme as it stands is the inclusion of a guest which TVI wants kept as quiet as possible for impact reasons. The idea is to include a prominent personality on the show once it is established. Rill Munro concedes that the programme needs tightening. He said that aftet years in comedy production in Australia he was wary ot letting a pilot go that was not just right. Personally. 1 would drop the story-time piece aiui somehow re-fashion and shorten the poet's interview. John Clarke has strong ideas on the programme toe and does not like to story about the little boy. After the showing Bill Munro seemed anxious to do what has to be done and have “The Wonderful World :of . ." on air as soon as possible.