Two very different men of war

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34138, 27 April 1976, Page 4

Two very different men of war

(By

KEN COATES)

Two men of war featured on television on Sunday evening and, as was fitting enough for Anzac Day, talked of their roles in two conflicts. Both TVl’s interview of former South Vietnam President Ky and TV2’s ‘‘Encounter” presentation of Charles Upham V.C. and bar raised as many questions as they answered.

lan Fraser’s interview for “Seven Days” was one of a series he did while on his recent visit to the United States. Ky’s role, his last days, his opinion of President Thieu and his wealth, and his view of American involvement in the war were all made abundantly clear. Fraser also made it quite clear what manner of man Ky was — that he loved fighting for fighting’s sake. Parts of that interview were interesting television, but perhaps because of the lack of time in which to gain background and maybe show more of the Ky family, their problems, how they support themselves and so on, the picture tended to be one long close-up of the former President’s rather impassive features. * S-. SS

The Rodney Bryant interview with Charles Upham suffered in the same way. There were long pauses when viewers were given ample opportunity to study the double V.C. winner’s face, and the stem of his pipe being thoughfully played about his lips.

Rodney was quite at ease with the famous New Zealander, although there were comments which cried out loud for elaboration.

What did the distinguished soldier mean, for example, when he talked about “New Zealand right or wrong?” And does he really believe that people protest “about nothing at all”? Still, there was more than sufficient in the interview, together with comments from two other former soldiers, to give an interesting picture of the man 30 years after the war and something of his feelings towards the world of today. * *

The new 8.8. C., three-part version of “Melissa” on TV2 began strongly and as is to be expected ' from Francis Durbridge, was intriguing enough to stimulate a mental note to watch the next episode.

TVI had a couple of strong programmes late in the evening — “Achilles Heel” and “A Set of Slides.”

The play about a professional soccer player relied not so much on action as on the effect of pressure on the life of a young man who begins to feel he is public property.

No answer was provided, other than the temporary escape of liquor. There were some sensitive scenes and telling personal clashes as the player realised he was unable ,to respond physically to the pressure he was under.

The 30-minute programme featuring “magic lantern” shots from Victorian England demonstrated just what can be done with effective sound and a descriptive commentary. The series of pictures showing the heyday of railways in England at the turn of the century made good viewing.