VIEWERS’ VIEWS

Press, 15 August 1980, Page 11

VIEWERS’ VIEWS

Sir, — I am really annoyed that a review such as “Silent Sea” by John Collins, a critic with more cynicism than anything else, should be given space in your paper. He even dares to ridicule David Attenborough, whose nature series, “Life on Earth,” must be one .of the most superb of its kind. There are all too few good environmental programmes on our screens, especially those without sophistication. Jacques Cousteau’s delightfully simple tales of exploration are unique, and made more so by his charming French accent in narration. What other could be more appropriate on his own programme? Cryptic and destructive criticism of these rare and valuable films has no benefit to viewers, and I suggest Mr Collins could be better employed venting his obvious need for verbal attack on the dozens of violence-orientated programmes that seem to saturate today’s television screens. — Yours, etc., M. A. CHAPMAN.

John Collins replies: Cousteau really is a sacred cow. His programmes are only incidentally about nature; they are mainly about the frolics of Cousteau and his companions. That was the thrust of my comments. I have no objection to an accent, .of course; I just happen to believe Cousteau’s, like Chevalier’s, to be grossly exaggerated for the sound track, to the point where I, for one, find it too phoney. Attenborough is superb, and I have said so. Thinking “Life on Earth” superb does not, however, preclude me from making jokes about its content. As for my need for verbal attack, Mrs Chapman’s letter indicates I do not have that on my own.