The tragic face of humour

Press, 3 August 1981, Page 14

The tragic face of humour

Review

Douglas McKenzie

Wendy Craig has a tragic face equalled only by Geoffrey Palmer's tragic face; together, they are made for comedv.

“Butterflies" (Two, Saturday). in which they appear, is described as being about “the comedy trials and tribulations of the Parkinson family."

There is some slight confusion here, because Michael Parkinson follows immediately in his show; but the confusion doesn't last long because nobody could accuse Michael Parkinson of being a comic, and this may be because he spends nearly all his time-laughing. Like Miss Craig and Mr Palmer he would be funnier if he were more tragic. As a matter of fact Mr Michael Parkinson is quite tragic these days because he is in Australia having to interview’ people no-one has ever heard of. Still, that's up to him. Back to the fun of "Butterflies,” where both principals have chops that quiver. At

any given moment either Miss Craig or Mr Palmer — and sometimes together — cannot believe what is happening to them. Their faces are either in tragic rejection or disbelieving relief.

There can hardly have been two people so unready for the unexpected, so torn by doubts, and so grateful for Fate's occasional generosity.

Then of course, there is the introspection: Miss Craig's despairing questioning of the trees; Mr Palmer's gruff pursuit of his butterflies.

Viewers still have a mild problem, though, to keep Miss Craig's Ria Parkinson part on Saturdays separate from her Nanny Gray part on Tuesdays. The amazingly imcompetent performer in the kitchen becomes the incomparably efficient nanny in the nursery. The sagging face of failure in the suburbs becomes the meek glance in Belgravia concealing- a will of steel. How does she do it?

Diversify or perish. Miss Craig, someone must have

said. So she began to play her comedy straight. McLean Stevensop will probably never be forgotten for his part as the colonel in “M.A.S.H." He broke away from this to make his name on his own.

At least he is getting work: whether he is making his name outside of “M.A.S.H." may be another matter.

In “Hello Larry” (Two, Fridays) McLean Stevenson is tied up with a radio station, which is a very popular thing to be in these days on TV. This week Mr Stevenson broke entirely new ground in these shows. First, he was seen actually at a radio station; and. second, he was “on the air” (as they say) for 38.3 sec, which is very good for a show which lasts for 30 minutes.

Otherwise Mr Stevensor was at home wrestling witl problems brought up by hi: daughters.

In fact, what viewers ha< was a situation with laughte; which dealt with peoph

faced with life, apparently ; very common circumstahc< for those who are working a radio stations just now.

Mr Stevenson’s 16-year-oh daughter was very nearl; getting herself linked witl DRUGS, and this was ter rible. In this positively origi nal situation, especially fo: radio-station workers. Mi Stevenson gave the good ad vice expected of one of hi: age; and he looked as thougt he would have been a lo 1 happier, wearing his hat witl the fishing flies on it anc exchanging wisecracks with the gang at “M.A.S.H.” It must be a desperate business on TV breaking away to make a name on your own.