Fine study of U.S. primaries

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34127, 13 April 1976, Page 4

Fine study of U.S. primaries

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KEN COATES)

American politics from this distance and tradition often appear bewildering in their style and complexity, but Sunday night’s “Seven Days” from TVI helped put the Presidential primaries into perspective for New Zealand viewers.

This was the second programme resulting from lan Fraser’s visit to the United States. It was comprehensive, informative and thoroughly professional. It was quite obvious that Fraser and the camera crew had worked hard and conscientiously. This was no junket. Shriver, Hubert Humphrey, Reagan, Carter and Wallace — all were shown with their varying styles and degrees of ballyhoo. Fraser and his team fol-

lowed them closely, interviewing Reagan in an aircraft, observing Shriver at a rally, and interviewing Humphrey about the “seamy side of politics” — the neverending series of glad-handing, fund-raising functions.

The programme was very much a look through New Zealand eyes, and without the cireus-like context in which American politicians are usually viewed, the candidates’ qualities, or lack of them were much more easily discernible. The inclusion of Alistair

Cooke and Washington journalist Jack Anderson gave the piece added weight, Anderson nicely summing up the mood of the American people. lan Fraser has the perception of a trained journalist, and this was reflected in the interesting sidelights produced — the manipulation of delegates by Chicago’s Mayor Daley and the part money plays in the campaigns of various candidates. Good camera work and an informative commentary also combined to give a rather different view of George Wallace than that conveyed by the glossy news magazines. « * * The “Encounter” contribution of Bryan Allpress in Chile from TV2 was an entirely different piece. Over-all, it made interesting television — Chile and its people are sufficiently different and fascinating for New Zealanders, it would be hard not to make * docu-

mentary there that lacked colour and interest. Allpress and his team struck enormous problems and the piece reflected the restrictions and lack of cooperation which they encountered. It was rather surprising that it ended up so mild in its approach — Bryan did say that the team had been intimidated by the secret police who had even stolen from them. Just precisely how this happened was not spelled out. It was airhost as if the programme had attempted the impossible — attempting to sum up a country in 30 minutes, and under the difficulties and frustrations of military law at that. But then there are no prizes for television reporters and crew members who get thrown into gaol, or have their films confiscated. Under

the circumstances it was a valiant effort, and that was what really mattered.

Television Two’s “Oh Father” lacks spontaneous humour to such an extent that it is almost embarrassing to watch. Each gag on Sunday night, with old Ted Ray attempting to play the funny man was enough to make you cringe. Derek Nimmo deserves better. * * ♦

Maybe I’m just a sentimentalist, but I thought TVl's Sunday night offering, “Dear Love,” based on the love letters of Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett, was delightfully presented. Geraldine McEwan was outstanding as Miss Barrett, and the play had just enough reality, notably Elizabeth’s panic about her dog, to prevent it from being sickly sweet.