Afternoon meat

Press, 23 May 1977, Page 15

Afternoon meat

By

MARGARET CHAPMAN

If, after the first hour and a bit of almost unadulterated soap opera, you feel the need for something a little more substantial to watch, there are at least three programmes throughout the week that are worth a look. The first of these is the repeat screening of “Family at War,” which, at the time of writing, has fallen victim to that thrice yearly affliction — the school holidays. It has been screening twice weekly, and it was the unfortunate task of Elizabeth Bourne to announce a fortnight ago that as the programme was rated “A” it could not be shown for two weeks. It apparently does not concern the programmers that as it shows just before the children’s hour there must be at least a few of tender years who see some of it at their mother’s knee in the ordinary course of events. World War II is far

enough away for the programme to qualify as dramatised history, and not be merely a parade of queer customs, as shows of the fifties tend to become. This is backed up by excellent performances from all the principals. Back in the dim, dark days xvhen this programme was first telecast, it was one of the few that nearly all viewers watched each xveek. It would I think, still have this effect on those who have not seen it. Repeats like tins are welcome.

Another programme worth a look is “Rooms.” This, unfortunately, requires viewers to find time on two separate days, and this is the main drawback. The stories are about the transient inhabitants of a rooming house in London. The house is owned by Dorothy, who lives with Clive. His approaches to the more attractive boarders often form the basis for the plots. While this may sound trite, in the hands of some of the

better television scriptwriters it is often the basis for some fairly good dialogue and character analysis. The other dramatic stalwart of TV’s xveek, “Crown Court,” is split into three parts. I have missed the end of the witchcraft trial, the middle of the insurance sxvindle, and tire malpractice case. This js very frustrating, but what is worse is being interrupted just as the verdict is announced. As in “Rooms,” the acting is impeccable, with actors like John Barron, Basil Henson, and William Mervyn playing the part of the judge at various times, and a rotating cast of barristers who include Jonathon Elsom, It is probably irksome to programmers at TVI that these two series have been made in parts, because this means that evening viewing is impracticable — although at least they mean that the afternoon viewer gets something more meaty in what can be a pretty bland diet.