RICHARD NIXON IN THE STOCKS

Press, 1 June 1977, Page 15

RICHARD NIXON IN THE STOCKS

By

R. T. BRTTTENDEN

Watching the first of ‘The Nixon Interviews” on TV! was not a pleasant experience. Had we lived in earlier days, it is doubtful whether many of us would have taken much delight in throwing things at people in the stocks: and when David Frost had finished this first interview Nixon was a pathetic figure with a considerable amount of egg on his face.

It was not. in fact, the first of the interviews. It was the last. Obviously for commercial reasons it was put at the head of the series, because the interrogation of Nixon on Watergate had more audience appeal than Nixon being asked about his foreign and other policies. Which suggests that the three remaining programmes in this series may command much less attention than this first one.

Even the Watergate interview was. apparently, done in two parts. For there was a very sudden and unmistakeable change in Nixon’s demeanour in the second half of this hour-long performance; which ended with Frost making insistent demands for a full confession, and Nixon, a sorry-looking figure, saying that he had let down the American people and that he would “have to carry that burden for the rest of his life.” Frost, as ever, was adept; his calm left him just a little, and only occasionally. Richard Nixon was almost ingratiating in his tributes to Frost’s fairness and capabilities: Frost certainly managed his affairs very well, cutting the forme: President short when h ■ deemed it necessary, letting him go on and on when something of significance was being said. It was a big fish he had on his line, and he played it skilfully. It is nearly three years since Nixon left the White House in disgrace. Since

then millions of words have been said and written about the scandal. Even after so long a time there was obviously a lively interest in it in the United States, which was very probably reflected in New Zealand.

To be sure, it would have been helpful for the viewer to have a chronological list of events and statements before him so as to follow Frost’s well-documented brief. But it was a fascinating exercise. even if it was sometimes more than a little embarrassing to observe the shadow boxing from an evasive Nixon as Frost punched hard and straight.

Nixon never admitted to his actions being illegal, or immoral. In the final confessional, he said his mistake was in acting as advocate for the defence, when it became clear that the activities of his colleagues were to be exposed. Perhaps the most interesting thing about the whole performance was ~. why?

Surely Richard Nixon, who must have paid dearly for his failure, did not need Frost’s huge fee in his bank account, or as balm for his wounds?

Did he begin the series hoping he could convince the American people of his innocence? Or did he undertake it rather in the manner of a man whose subconscious argued that he needed medical attention, but who kept telling his doctor, until the last moment, that he was perfectly fit?

These were among the questions left unanswered, and it would take the skill of a psychologist to determine the truth. Masochistic or mercenary’ Ddid Nixon want a hair shirt, or a fur coat?

The remaining three programmes are not likely to resolve that problem; for, in them, Nixon was in much more friendly territory.

The Nixon inquisition was a sad affair, in an

evening which provided, earlier, some of the brightest and lightest of entertainment, which included the revolting Albert Steptoe, and Harold in one of the most amusing and least romantic cf love scenes; the iaugh-at-first-sight face of John Cleese; and South Pacific Television’s "Top Of The World.”

It is a very great pity that "Top Of The World” is to be dropped. It again offered evidence that Marcus Craig and Derek Payne have been inflicted with the least funny lines in living memory, and the show does not need them. In every other respect, it gave the best of evidence that spectacular advances have been made in the field of light entertainment. The opening dance routine — "Our World” — set a very high standard. The dressing, settings, singing and timing maintained this. What a shame so professional a performance is to be lost.