'Well-made, N.Z.,’ coming true

Press, 31 October 1977, Page 19

'Well-made, N.Z.,’ coming true

By

R. T. BRITTENDEN

The growing content of New Zealand-made programmes on television schedules can not, in the light of recent events, be seen as an economy measure. But it certainly can not be regarded, either as nothing more than the protection of a local industry. The happy fact is that New Zealand programmes are becoming steadily better. If TVl’s “Two On One” is not the most notable example of this advance, it is still a good one. This mixture of music and talk has had a significantly long run: it began early in April, and there have been no "closing down” signs so far. In its early weeks, it was distinctly patchy. The hosts, Ray Woolf and Vai Lamond, used to contribute much of the singing, but sometimes their interviewing techniques were not comparable with their ability to put across a tuneful number. They were sometimes an embarrassment to the guests and to the audiences. In the most recent "Two On One,” programme, the personable Va] Lamond and

the cheerful Woolf did no singing at all. This was a loss, but not a decisive one, for there simply was not time for them, with five guests to be presented and interviewed, as well as the use of a film clip about John Denver, ail in 40 minutes. The quality of the material from the visiting artists, and the greater case the hosts displayed in talking to them, made this “Two On One” a cut above the average. To be sure. Miss Lamond still tended to wave her arms about a little too enthusiastically in conversion. But she is a moat likable lady, and her partner was friendly and relaxed. They were fortunate to have Uri Geller with them, for he needed no guidance or prompting in giving the show a happy start. This master of mental telepathy and associated arts has an engaging personality, and he was thoroughly interesting. There were, however, a couple of disappointments about his segment of the show. Miss Lamond's warm invitation to the audience to bring out its old, stopped watches

so that Mr Geller could start them going was not taken up. In our establishment, a collection which more properly belongs to Ferrymead is still in its inanimate state. And it seemed a pity that we have to wait until next Friday to discover the twodigit number he wrote down, sealed in an envelope, and had placed in a safe, before staring fixedly at the lens as he made a thoughttransmission of the number to his viewers. It does seem a waste of time. We know what it is. 34. Mr Geller was not the only star. It was a good variety show, with the attractive schoolgirl Kim Hart, the dramatic voice of Jennie Green, and the strong appeal still exerted by Howard Morrison. It is clear that variety shows such as this have con= siderable appeal. The scope for light entertainment is wide, and can surely be pursued without exorbitant cost. Perhaps a series of a shorter run, from some of the many talented musical groups available, and from the fewer, but just as exciting big bands, are warranted.